籠

A phono-semantic compound:

竹 — bamboo (semantic component)

龍 — dragon (phonetic component)

The phonetic element 龍 contributes sound, while 竹 indicates material and category.

A container made of bamboo, typically woven, used to hold, trap, or cover objects or living creatures.

Semantic development

Concrete sense:

- bamboo basket

- cage for animals

- bamboo steamer

Extended / abstract sense:

- to enclose or confine

- to cover so that something is not clearly visible

- to keep hidden or indistinct

Related characters:

筐 — box, case (rigid container)

籃 — basket (usually open)

盒 — box (solid, non-bamboo)

籠 — cage, basket (enclosure-focused)

蓋 — cover (emphasis on covering)

籠 often implies restricted freedom, especially in literary contexts.

Unlike simple “containers,” 籠 emphasizes enclosure rather than storage.

The abstract meaning “vague, obscured” derives from the idea of being covered from view.