(xiāng) — fragrant, aromatic; (of food) tasty, appetizing; (of sleep) sound, deep

Definition

Covers two main uses: a pleasant smell (flowers, incense — like 芬芳) and good-tasting food (close to 好吃). For sleep, 香 means sound and deep.

adjective
fragrantaromatic(of food) tastyappetizing(of sleep) sounddeep
Measure word ·

Examples

  • Zhè duǒ huā zhēn xiāng.
    This flower is really fragrant.
  • Tā shuì dé hěn xiāng.
    He sleeps soundly.
  • Mā ma zuò de cài hěn xiāng.
    The dishes Mom makes are very tasty.

Origin

Compound ideograph
六书liùshū
会意huìyì

Two or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.

香's early form paired 黍 (glutinous millet) with 口 (mouth), perhaps showing millet drink being taken in or offered.

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