凋 diāo withered
withered; fallen
How to remember 凋: 冫 ice + 周 week = withered. The ice storm lasts a whole week, and when Grandma finally opens the garden door every rose is withered.
Component breakdown
形声 · Meaning + sound
One part gives the meaning, the other gives the sound.
凋 = 冫 ice + 周 week
- 冫 ice meaning
- 周 week sound
- ⺆ box
- 𠮷 foul mouth
The ice storm lasts a whole week, and when Grandma finally opens the garden door every rose is withered.
How it came to be
In the small seal form, the ice gives the meaning and the right part gives the sound.
How it is used
- To wither and fall, of flowers and leaves: 凋谢 (diāoxiè) to wilt/wither, 凋零 (diāolíng) to fade and fall.
- Figuratively of decline: 凋敝 (diāobì) (of economy/life) depressed and destitute.
- Literary tone; evokes decay and the passing of vitality.