Sinograph
/ˈsaɪ.nə.ɡræf/noun
A Chinese character, especially considered as a unit of the Chinese writing system.
Did you know?The element “-graph” descends from Greek graphein, “to write” or “to scratch,” linking Chinese characters to the ancient idea that written marks could preserve—and wield—knowledge.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*gerbh-
“To scratch, carve, or cut marks into a surface”
Ancient Greek
Greek
gráphein
“To write, draw, or inscribe”
Ancient Greek
Greek
-graphos
“Written, drawn, or recorded”
19th Century
English
Sino-
“Relating to China; ultimately connected with names derived from Qin, the ancient Chinese dynasty”
19th Century
English
sinograph
“A Chinese written character”
Modern English
English
Sinograph
“A Chinese character viewed as a unit of writing”