Left speech radical — the simplified side-form of
言. The indexing radical, marking
诞 as a word-of-mouth term. Original meaning was 'to talk big, boast' (
荒诞 absurd,
怪诞 grotesque). Only later did it extend to 'birth' (
诞生), as in the auspicious announcement of an arrival. Pair with
谈 (chat),
说 (speak).
