Etymological Exchange
The transmission of knowledge and materials between the two cultures during ancient times can still be seen in the Persian roots in Chinese loan words. These words typically come from the dialects of the Elamites:
| Term | Chinese | Pinyin | Persian root | Persian Romanization |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lion | 獅/狮 | shī | شیر | Shir |
| Alfalfa | 苜蓿 | mù-xǖ | buksuk | |
| Grapes | 葡萄/蒲桃 | pú táo | budāwa or buda | |
| Pomegranate | (安)石榴 | (ān) shí líu | آرتساخ | Arsak |
| Amber | 琥珀 | hǔpò | کهربا | keherba |
| Wolfberry | 枸杞 | gǒuqǐ | گوجه | gojeh |
| Suona | 嗩吶 | suǒnà | سورنا | sornā |
Read more about this topic: Sino-Persian Relations
Famous quotes containing the word exchange:
“Ants are so much like human beings as to be an embarrassment. They farm fungi, raise aphids as livestock, launch armies into war, use chemical sprays to alarm and confuse enemies, capture slaves, engage in child labor, exchange information ceaselessly. They do everything but watch television.”
—Lewis Thomas (b. 1913)