繻 (xū) - Silk fabric & fine silk

繻Tone 1

xū ｜ 20 strokes ｜ radical:

信嫣

繻 · xū

Silk fabric;

fine silk;

colored silk;

a silk pass used as credentials in ancient China;

a type of fine silk garment.

Silk fabricfine silkcolored silk

Usage highlights

Fine silk fabricSilk pass/credentialsSilk garmentColored silkSilk documentSilk token

Synonyms

  • 帛— silk fabric
  • 绸— silk
  • 绢— thin silk

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He wore a robe of fine silk (繻衣).
  • The envoy presented the silk pass (符繻) for entry.
  • Ancient documents mention silk credentials (繻券).
  • The fabric was a luxurious silk (繻帛).

Collocations

  • Fine silk fabric(繻帛)
  • Silk pass/credentials(符繻)
  • Silk garment(繻衣)
  • Colored silk(彩繻)
  • Silk document(繻券)
  • Silk token(繻符)

Idioms

  • Ripping the silk pass(裂繻)
  • Presenting the silk credentials(投繻)
  • Silk pass at the pass(关繻)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In ancient China, a '繻' was a silk pass used as credentials for travel through mountain passes, often torn in half with one part kept by authorities.
  • The character represents high-quality silk, indicating luxury and refinement in historical textile culture.
  • Associated with diplomatic and official functions due to its use as credentials for envoys and travelers.

FAQ