Definitions
(noun)
armor plating; shell; carapace
(noun)
fingernail; toenail
(numeral)
first of the ten Heavenly Stems; first (in order or ranking)
Etymology
Origin unclear. Possibly depicts cracks on a shell or tree bark.
About
The origin of 甲 is uncertain; it may represent cracks on a turtle shell or tree bark. The character shows a vertical stroke crossing a frame, a form that suggests the pattern of such cracks. In early Chinese divination, cracks in heated turtle shells were interpreted to guide decisions, and this practice likely led 甲 to denote the first position or highest rank. It was adopted as the first of the ten Heavenly Stems (天干) and can indicate primacy in sequences or grading. From the shell itself, the character also acquired the concrete meanings of shell, carapace, and armor.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
我剪了指甲。
甲虫是一种昆虫。
船上的甲板很干净。
这次比赛他得了甲等。
甲状腺是重要器官。
在列表中，甲代表第一。
这款手机的性能属甲级。
古代战士穿着盔甲作战。
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