Definitions
old variant of 托[tuō]
"blade of grass" component in Chinese characters
Etymology
Origin unclear. Traditionally explained as a pictograph of a blade of grass.
About
乇 originated as a pictograph representing a plant stalk or blade of grass emerging from the ground with its leaves unfolding. This形象 captured the concept of young vegetation relying on the earth for support and growth, leading to its core meanings of depending upon or entrusting. Over time, the more complex character 托 came to represent actions like supporting, holding up, or entrusting. In modern Chinese, 乇 is seldom used as an independent word and functions primarily as a structural component within other characters, often serving as a phonetic marker for words with similar pronunciations.
Etymology Hide
