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:
“I can exchange opinion with any neighbouring mind,
I have as healthy flesh and blood as any rhymer’s had,
But O! my Heart could bear no more when the upland caught the wind;
I ran, I ran, from my love’s side because my Heart went mad.”
—William Butler Yeats (1865–1939)