串
- o string together, to pierce through, a skewer, a series or chain of things;
Also a geographical term meaning “cape” in Korean.
Etymology
串 is an ancient pictograph, not a typical phono-semantic compound.
It directly depicts objects (like shells or beads) aligned on a string or cord — a representation of “threading together.”
The two 中 (middle / pierced shape) elements stacked vertically symbolize multiple items pierced through their centers.
Together they evoke a string of connected objects (e.g. cowries, which were early currency).
Thus, the original sense was “to pierce through or string together”, later extended metaphorically to “connect,” “associate,” or “collude.”
Usage in Korean
串聯 (관련) — to link, to connect, to associate
串通 (관통) — to collude, to conspire
串門 (관문) — to visit someone casually (lit. “go through the gate”)
羊肉串 (양육관) — lamb skewer (popular Chinese street food)
串燒 (꼬치구이) — grilled skewers, yakitori-style
Words that derived from 串
Alternative forms
貫
