Definitions
mistaken; erroneous; contradictory
Etymology
Pictograph of two feet facing opposite directions.
About
The character "舛" originated from a pictographic representation of two feet oriented in opposite directions, a concept still reflected in its modern structure composed of two interacting components suggesting contrary motion. This foundational imagery established its core meaning of discord or error, and over time its semantic scope broadened to encompass general misfortune and adversity. In contemporary usage, it appears predominantly in literary compounds such as "舛误" for inaccuracies or "命运多舛" to describe a troubled destiny, demonstrating its shift from a literal depiction to an abstract indicator of mishap.
Etymology Hide
