銜 (xián) - To hold in the mouth & to bear

銜Tone 2

xián ｜ 14 strokes ｜ radical:

万响

銜 · xián

To hold in the mouth;

to bear;

to contain;

to harbor;

to link;

to connect;

to rank;

title;

military rank.

To hold in the mouthto bearto contain

Usage highlights

Military rankTo harbor resentmentTo hold in mouthTitle and rankTo link upDiplomatic rank

Synonyms

  • 含— to hold in mouth; to contain
  • 叼— to hold in mouth (especially animals)
  • 连接— to connect; to link

Antonyms

  • 吐— to spit out; to vomit
  • 断开— to disconnect; to break off

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The horse held the bit in its mouth (衔着马衔).
  • He harbored a grudge for many years (衔恨多年).
  • She received a promotion in rank (获得晋升军衔).
  • The two railway lines connect here (两条铁路线在此衔接).

Collocations

  • Military rank(军衔)
  • To harbor resentment(衔恨)
  • To hold in mouth(衔着)
  • Title and rank(职衔)
  • To link up(衔接)
  • Diplomatic rank(外交衔)

Idioms

  • Holding a branch in the mouth to build a nest(衔枝筑巢)
  • Bearing grievances and swallowing anger(衔悲茹恨)
  • Receiving orders with reverence(衔命奉行)
  • Linked mountains and connected ranges(衔山接岭)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originally depicted a horse with a bit in its mouth, representing control and restraint.
  • In imperial China, used for official ranks and titles, reflecting bureaucratic hierarchy.
  • The character embodies both physical holding and abstract connections or relationships.

FAQ