姺
How to Say
How to Write
Meaning: name of an ancient state
💡 A woman (女) before (先) others: an ancient state led by a matriarch.
Compounds
Character Story & Explanation
姺 (xiǎn) refers to an ancient state during the Shang and Zhou dynasties, located in present-day Shandong. This character is rarely used today, appearing mainly in historical texts. Its structure combines 女 (woman) and 先 (before), possibly indicating a matriarchal lineage in the state. Unearthing 姺 reveals a forgotten polity in China's early history.
Example Sentences
Common Compounds
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