[[Characters]] #Characters \ #Abstract-Concepts \ #Properties # 鲜 xiān fresh; brighted-color; delicacy ## Components [[鱼 yú]] [[羊 yáng]] ## Meaning The character 鲜 (xiān) nowadays primarily means "fresh" or "delicious." It is often used to describe the freshness of food, especially ingredients, and can also imply that something is tasty or has a savory flavor. Additionally, 鲜 can be used to indicate something new or novel. Here are some common usages: 1. **新鲜 (xīnxiān)** - Fresh (e.g., fresh vegetables, fresh air) 2. **鲜美 (xiānměi)** - Delicious, tasty (e.g., delicious food) 3. **鲜花 (xiānhuā)** - Fresh flowers 4. **鲜艳 (xiānyàn)** - Bright, vivid (often used to describe colors) In summary, 鲜 conveys the qualities of freshness, tastiness, and newness. ## History The character 鲜 (xiān) is a compound ideogram, which means it is made up of elements that hint at its meaning. It is composed of the elements 魚 (鱼 yú), meaning "fish," and 羊 (yáng), meaning "sheep." The combination of these elements suggests the idea of a fish that tastes delicious, symbolizing something fresh and tasty. In simplified Chinese, 鮮 is written as 鲜. Originally, the character referred specifically to fresh fish but has since extended to mean anything that is fresh. ## Evolution ### Oracular Script ? ### Bronze Script ![[鲜 bronce.svg]] ### Seal Script ![[鲜 sello.svg]] ### Clerical Script ![[鲜 cle.svg]] ### Regular Script ![[鲜 reg.svg]]