About
The character 右, structurally composed of the elements 口 (mouth) and 又 (hand), originates from the conceptual representation of the right hand engaged in acts of assistance, where the 又 component initially symbolized a hand and the 口 likely functioned as a semantic marker denoting verbal or active support. This foundational link to aiding gave rise to its early meanings encompassing help, blessing, or protection, evident in classical usage where it often paralleled the function of the modern 佑. Gradually, its primary signification shifted towards indicating the right side, a transition driven by the physical and cultural association of the right hand with dominance and practical aid, ultimately cementing its contemporary role as the directional term for right in opposition to left, while its earlier supportive connotations became largely obsolete or retained only in lexical compounds.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
请你往右边走。
我的书在右边。
向右转是公园。
他坐在我的右边。
车子向右拐弯了。
左右两边都有树。
请把椅子移到右边。
在十字路口，你应该向右走。