堠
How to Say
How to Write
Meaning: mounds for beacons
💡 Think of a 'hou' (侯) standing on an earth (土) mound watching for enemies.
Compounds
Character Story & Explanation
The character 堠 (hòu) originally referred to ancient beacon mounds used for military signaling along borders. Composed of 土 (earth, soil) and 侯 (marquis, as phonetic), it evokes the image of earthen platforms where watchmen lit fires to warn of invaders. This term appears in historical texts describing the Great Wall's defense system, highlighting its role in early Chinese communication networks.
Example Sentences
Common Compounds
Similar Characters — Don't Mix These Up
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