Origin

This character combines the radical for jade or precious stone, shown on the left, with a component on the right that suggests something being retained or held in place. Together they form a character meaning lapis lazuli, a blue gemstone prized in ancient times. The jade radical identifies it as a type of precious stone, while the right component reinforces the idea of a valuable material worth keeping. The name itself reflects how lapis lazuli was a rare, treasured import in East Asia, something precious enough to be carefully preserved.

AI-generated (claude-haiku-4-5), not yet reviewed. Formation type (automated guess): Compound ideographic (combined meanings).