寰 (huán) — (bound form) extensive region; the whole world
Definition
寰 (huán) is a bound literary word meaning 'the whole world / extensive region,' almost always used as part of a set phrase such as 寰宇、寰球 or 寰海. It is more formal and written than 全球 or 世界.
bound form
extensive regionthe whole world
Examples
- 寰。Tā mèng xiǎng huán yóu huán yǔ.He dreams of traveling around the whole world.
- 。Zhè ge wèn tí guān xì dào huán qiú fā zhǎn.This issue concerns global development.
- 寰。Gǔ dài dì wáng zì chēng yōng yǒu huán hǎi.Ancient emperors claimed to possess the whole world.
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.
Meaning part形符xíngfú
宀宀miánroof
Sound part声符shēngfú
睘
睘qióng寰huán
The sound has drifted apartThe sound part was a clue two thousand years ago — it often still helps, but not always.
寰 pairs 宀, a roof, with 睘, which gives the sound. The roof points to an enclosed domain around the capital.
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