Definitions
variant of 筋[jīn]; variant of 斤[jīn]
Etymology
About
The character "觔" is a historical variant form, primarily functioning as an alternate writing for two different characters. In its structure, it combines the semantic component "角", meaning horn, with "力", meaning strength, which aligns it with the meaning of "筋" (tendon, sinew), a connection based on the strength and fibrous nature of tendons. Historically, "觔" was used interchangeably to represent both this meaning of tendon and, more commonly, as a substitute for the character "斤", a unit of weight. This dual usage caused "觔" to carry meanings related to physical strength and measurement. Over time, its role diminished as the distinct characters "筋" for tendon and "斤" for weight became standardized, leaving "觔" as an archaic form occasionally encountered in historical texts or specific phrases.