Life 𓋹𓈖𓐍

Let’s read some hieroglyphs 𓊹𓌃𓏪! Today 𓏇𓇋𓈖𓇳 we are going to be looking at the word “Life 𓋹𓈖𓐍.”

Most are familiar with the “Ankh 𓋹” as being both the symbol and the word for life. However, the word “Life 𓋹𓈖𓐍” can also be written this way! 

Let’s break down the word: 

𓋹 – ˁnḫ (pronounced “ankh”)

𓈖 – n

𓐍 – ḫ (pronounced “k”) 

Life 𓋹𓈖𓐍 is the perfect example of the use of phonetic complements. A phonetic complement are when symbols added to the end of the word add emphasis to the sounds of the symbol that comes before it. The phonetic complements are not pronounced! 

Let’s break down the symbols! 

The “sandal strap 𓋹” more commonly known as the “Ankh,” is a triliteral phonogram that has the sound “ˁnḫ” which would sound like “ankh.” While it can also be an ideogram for “sandal strap” and “mirror,” the “sandal strap 𓋹” is much more commonly seen as the word for “Life.” 

The “ripple of water 𓈖” is also a phonogram sign, except it is uniliteral sign, which means that it just represents one consonant. The “𓈖” is associated with the sound of “n!” Here it is used as a phonetic complement. 

The “placenta or sieve 𓐍” symbol is a uniliteral phonogram and is associated with the sound “ḫ” which is kind of like a “k” sound. This symbol is actually considered “unclassified” because Egyptologists actually don’t know what it exactly represents! It is also used as a phonetic complement in this case. 

This is my personal photograph and original text. DO NOT repost. 

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