鉉 (xuàn) - Xuan — refers to the metal crossbar or & by extension, signifies an important official position or

鉉Tone 4

xuàn ｜ 13 strokes ｜ radical:

信嫣

鉉 · xuàn

Xuan — refers to the metal crossbar or handle used to lift ancient bronze tripod cauldrons (鼎);

by extension, signifies an important official position or a key figure.

Xuan — refers to the metal crossbar orby extension, signifies an important official position or

Usage highlights

Tripod crossbarKey ministerImportant official positionMinister of StatePillar of the state

Synonyms

  • 鼎耳— tripod ears (another part used for lifting)
  • 樞機— pivot; key position

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The tripod's crossbar (鼎鉉) was used for lifting.
  • He held a key ministerial position (台鉉).
  • The state's pillars (鉉台) refer to high officials.

Collocations

  • Tripod crossbar(鼎鉉)
  • Key minister(台鉉)
  • Important official position(鉉席)
  • Minister of State(槐鉉)
  • Pillar of the state(鉉台)

Idioms

  • Hold the tripod's crossbar(持鉉)
  • The tripod and its crossbar(鼎鉉)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In ancient China, bronze tripod cauldrons (鼎) were ritual vessels symbolizing state power.
  • The crossbar (鉉) was essential for moving these heavy vessels, thus metaphorically representing a crucial state official.
  • The term is now rare in modern vernacular but appears in classical texts and historical contexts.

FAQ