Definitions

yóu to plan; to scheme

Etymology phono-semantic

dog

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "猷" is a traditional form whose structure combines the semantic component "犬" (dog) and the phonetic component "酋" (chieftain, vintage). Etymologically, the character originally conveyed meanings related to plans, schemes, or counsel, a sense evident in early classical texts. While the "犬" component might suggest an archaic associative link, perhaps to hunting or strategic pursuit, the primary function of "猷" has long been abstract. Over time, its usage became largely confined to formal or literary contexts, retaining its core meaning of a strategic plan or principle without developing widely divergent meanings. The character's form has remained stable in traditional writing systems.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern