Definitions

abundant, lush, bountiful, plenty

Etymology

Depicts a decoration () and a drum () used for ceremonial purposes. Original form of (gift; ceremony).

About

The character , the original form of , depicts a ceremonial drum () decked with strings of jade (). In ancient China, such drums were beaten to invoke spirits, and the jade ornaments signified the rite's solemnity. From this ritual setting, the character emerged, encompassing ceremony, propriety, and gift. The abundant offerings, food, drink, and treasures, presented during these ceremonies later led to be adopted as a variant of , meaning abundant, lush, or plentiful. Today, this sense is preserved mainly in Japanese kanji.

Etymology Hide

Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Early Western Zhou (~1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Early Western Zhou (~1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Mid Western Zhou (~900 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Warring States (~250 BC)
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)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
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