Definitions

shù moisture; timely rain

Etymology

Rain  that saves  the farm;  also provides the pronunciation

About

is a phono-semantic compound composed of the water radical (shuǐ) on the left and the character (shù) on the right. The water radical places it in the semantic field of rain and moisture, while primarily indicates the pronunciation but also contributes the meaning "to save", so together they suggest rain that rescues a farm. Its core meaning is timely, life‑giving rain, precipitation that falls exactly when needed to relieve drought and nourish crops. This highly positive association with agricultural survival and bounty led to its use in classical literature as a symbol of benevolence, saving grace, or a ruler's favor. Today, remains a popular given name because of its auspicious connotations of growth, relief, and abundant natural blessings.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern