Kangxi Dictionary
/ˈkɑːŋ ɕiː dɪkʃəˌnɛri/noun
A major Chinese character dictionary compiled under the Kangxi Emperor and first published in 1716.
Did you know?The Kangxi Dictionary helped standardize Chinese character analysis through 214 radical categories, a system that still influences modern dictionaries and digital character lookup.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Chinese
Chinese
字典
“Literally “character典/standard”; a reference work for written characters.”
1661–1722
Chinese
康熙
“The reign name of the Qing emperor Xuanye; 康 means “health” or “well-being,” and 熙 means “bright,” “prosperous,” or “flourishing.””
1710
Chinese
康熙字典
“Imperially commissioned as a comprehensive reference for Chinese characters.”
1716
Chinese
康熙字典
“First published under the Kangxi Emperor, containing approximately 47,000 character entries, including variant and historical forms.”
19th Century
English
Kangxi Dictionary
“English-language references began using this title as the work became known to Western sinologists.”
Modern English
English
Kangxi Dictionary
“The established English name for this influential Qing-dynasty Chinese character dictionary.”