南nán

南

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简体

Simplified Chinese

The character 南 (nán, "south") remains unchanged between simplified and traditional forms. Its origins are debated — some scholars see a musical bell (鎛) that was repurposed as a direction, while others trace it to an ancient flag or marker indicating the southern direction. Today it appears in 南方 (south), 南北 (north and south), and 南瓜 (pumpkin).

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Shuowen

South. The character depicts an ancient bronze hand-bell with a handle at the top and decorative elements hanging below, the original pictograph of this musical instrument preserved in its form; the directional meaning "south" likely arose from the instrument's association with southern ritual ceremonies or from the way such bells were oriented when displayed.

Pinyin

nán· HSK 1

南nán

Character evolution

Shuowen

Pinyin