盏 (zhǎn) — (classifier) for lamps, lanterns, and other light sources (also literary: small cup)
Definition
A literary measure word for lamps and lanterns. For everyday use of 台灯/电灯, 个 is far more common; save 盏 for writing or for a slightly elegant, decorative feel.
classifier
for lampslanternsand other light sources (also literary: small cup)
Examples
- 盏。Fáng jiān lǐ yǒu sān zhǎn dēng.There are three lamps in the room.
- 盏。Tā diǎn rán le nà zhǎn dēng long.He lit that lantern.
- 盏。Zhè zhǎn tái dēng de guāng hěn róu hé.The light of this desk lamp is very soft.
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 盞; 盏 is its simplified writing.
Meaning part形符xíngfú
皿皿mǐnvessel
Sound part声符shēngfú
戔
戔jiān盞zhǎn
The sound has drifted apartThe sound part was a clue two thousand years ago — it often still helps, but not always.
The traditional form 盞 pairs 皿, a vessel, with 戔 for the sound; the simplified 盏 is a later abbreviation, so its parts are not the historical parts.
Appears in
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