綬 (shòu) - silk ribbon & cord used to fasten seals or official insignia

綬Tone 4

shòu ｜ 14 strokes ｜ radical:

上姝

綬 · shòu

silk ribbon;

cord used to fasten seals or official insignia in ancient China.

silk ribboncord used to fasten seals or official insignia

Usage highlights

seal ribbonpurple ribbongold ribbonribbon and sealofficial ribbonceremonial ribbon

Synonyms

  • 带— belt, ribbon (broader term)
  • 缨— tassel, cord (decorative)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The official seal was tied with a purple ribbon (紫绶).
  • He received the seal and ribbon of office (印绶).
  • The jade pendant was attached with a silk cord (玉绶).

Collocations

  • seal ribbon(印绶)
  • purple ribbon(紫绶)
  • gold ribbon(金绶)
  • ribbon and seal(绶带)
  • official ribbon(官绶)
  • ceremonial ribbon(礼绶)

Idioms

  • To receive the seal and ribbon(受绶)
  • The purple ribbon and golden seal(紫绶金章)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In imperial China, different colored ribbons (绶) indicated official rank, with purple being among the highest.
  • The 'seal and ribbon' (印绶) symbolized the transfer of official authority and appointment to government positions.
  • The character appears primarily in historical and ceremonial contexts related to bureaucracy and honor.

FAQ