Definitions
3rd earthly branch: 3-5 a.m., 1st solar month (4th February-5th March), year of the Tiger; ancient Chinese compass point: 60°
Etymology
Originally written the same as 矢 (arrow). Later two hands (𦥑) were added to distinguish the characters.
About
The character "寅" initially conveyed meanings related to respectful conduct or solemn preparation in early Chinese contexts, but its semantic scope gradually contracted to become fixed as the third term in the system of Earthly Branches, used primarily in calendrical and astrological functions. Its structure, which places the "宀" radical over a lower element, hints at an archaic association with enclosed or ritual spaces, though the original pictorial motivation behind this composition has become obscure through graphical standardization. The character's modern usage is almost entirely dedicated to representing the tiger in the zodiac and the two-hour period from 3 to 5 AM, a specialized meaning that has largely displaced its earlier connotations, with only residual traces appearing in classical idioms where it implies anticipation or premature action, such as in the expression "寅吃卯粮".
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
现在是寅时，天还没亮。
据说他是寅年出生的。
爷爷在寅时就起床锻炼了。
古代用天干地支纪年，今年是寅年。
这位将军姓寅，是一个罕见的姓氏。
在十二生肖中，寅对应的是老虎。
根据农历，下一个寅年将在几年后到来。
地支中的寅与方位中的东北偏东相关联。