Definitions
(noun)
end; final stage
(noun)
tip; extremity
(noun)
powder; dust
Etymology
Similar to 木 (tree), with an extra line at the top. Depicts the top end of a tree.
About
The character "末" is structurally based on "木" for tree, with an added horizontal stroke at the top to indicate the outermost part, originally denoting the tip or end of a tree. This composition established its primary sense of "end" or "extremity", which later extended to refer to the final portion of any entity or sequence. Subsequently, its meaning acquired the nuance of "insignificance" or "minor detail" in certain contexts, while also developing an independent usage to represent "powder" or "dust", derived from the concept of fine residual matter.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
我喜欢周末。
末班车来了。
这是书的末尾。
月末我们发工资。
他排在队伍的末端。
周末的天气通常很好。
期末考试的复习很重要。
末代皇帝的故事很有趣。