Definitions

kuí one-legged mountain demon of Chinese mythology; Chinese mythical figure who invented music and dancing; Chinese rain god; surname Kui

Etymology

Pictograph of Kui, a figure in ancient Chinese mythology.

About

The character 复 has a complex structure with no single dominant semantic component. Its form includes horn-like elements at the top and the foot radical 夊 at the bottom. Historically, it serves as the name for a mythical one-legged beast from Chinese lore, often described as dragon- or ox-like, whose roar resembles thunder. Due to this specific origin, its use is largely confined to discussions of classical mythology, ancient ritual motifs, and legendary musical figures, rather than everyday language. Its intricate stroke arrangement mirrors the enigmatic nature of the creature it denotes.

Etymology Hide

Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Shang dynasty (~1100 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Cao Wei (Three Kingdoms: 222-280 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern