络 (lào) — (bound morpheme) small net; used in 络子 lào zi, a net-like bag or pouch
Definition
络 (lào) is a bound morpheme meaning 'net-like mesh'; it only appears in 络子, a small netted pouch. Don't confuse with 络 luò (as in 联络 / 网络), which is a different character with the same spelling and a different tone.
bound form
(bound morpheme) small netused in 络子 lào zia net-like bag or pouch
Examples
- 络。Tā mǎi le yí gè lào zi zhuāng shuǐ guǒ.She bought a net bag to carry fruit.
- 络。Zhè ge lào zi shì yòng hóng shéng zi biān de.This net bag is woven with red string.
- 络。Nǎi nai sòng gěi wǒ yí gè xiǎo lào zi.Grandma gave me a small net bag.
Origin
Sound + meaning六书liùshū
形声xíngshēngMost characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.
This origin belongs to the traditional form 絡; 络 is its simplified writing.
Meaning part形符xíngfú
糸糸mìthread
Sound part声符shēngfú
各
各gè絡luò
The sound has drifted apartThe sound part was a clue two thousand years ago — it often still helps, but not always.
The traditional form 絡 pairs 糸 (thread) with 各 as a sound part, showing something wrapped in thread, like a web of thread; the simplified 络 is a later shorthand.
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