Used in the transliteration of foreign names; also used as an abbreviation for countries like 阿富汗 ā​fù​hàn or 阿尔及利亚 ā'ěr​jí​lì​yà.

(bound form) Used for its sound in transliterated words, such as 陀螺 tuó​luó and 阿弥陀佛 ē​mí​tuó​fó

classic; scripture; sacred book; religious or authoritative canon