軒 (xuān) - A high-fronted, curtained carriage used in ancient China & a pavilion or small house with windows

軒Tone 1

xuān ｜ 10 strokes ｜ radical:

信嫣

軒 · xuān

A high-fronted, curtained carriage used in ancient China;

a pavilion or small house with windows;

a high or lofty place;

extended to mean tall, elevated, or noble.

A high-fronted, curtained carriage used in ancient Chinaa pavilion or small house with windowsa high or lofty place

Usage highlights

HighLofty and brightXuan AngPavilion or small houseXuan YuanXuan window

Synonyms

  • 车— vehicle, carriage (broader term)
  • 舆— carriage, palanquin (another type of ancient vehicle)
  • 阁— pavilion, loft (similar architectural concept)

Antonyms

  • 卑— low, humble (antonym to the 'lofty' sense)
  • 陋— humble,简陋 (antonym to the 'elegant' sense)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He arrived in a horse-drawn carriage (轩车).
  • The scholar's study was called Xuanshi (轩室).
  • The hall had a high ceiling (轩敞的大厅).
  • The museum exhibited an ancient carriage (古轩).

Collocations

  • High-fronted carriage(轩车)
  • Lofty and bright(轩敞)
  • Xuan Ang (a historical figure)(轩昂)
  • Pavilion or small house(轩榭)
  • Xuan Yuan (Yellow Emperor)(轩辕)
  • Xuan window(轩窗)

Idioms

  • Xuan Ang's dignified manner(气宇轩昂)
  • The dispute between Qi and Chu(齐轩楚轸)
  • Xuan He's carriage and crown(轩鹤冠猴)
  • Xuan carriage and cloud banner(轩盖如云)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In ancient times, '轩' referred to a specific type of high-fronted carriage used by nobles and high officials, symbolizing status.
  • By extension, it came to denote high, spacious buildings or pavilions, often associated with elegance and refinement.
  • The character is part of the name '轩辕' (Xuanyuan), the legendary Yellow Emperor, a foundational figure in Chinese culture.
  • It carries connotations of nobility, loftiness, and scholarly elegance, making it a popular choice in classical literature and names.

FAQ