About
The character 企 is an ideographic compound formed by 人 (person) placed above 止 (foot). Since 止 is a pictograph representing a foot, the whole configuration clearly illustrates a person standing on their feet. The original meaning of this construction was the physical act of standing on tiptoe, either to gaze into the distance or to reach upward. Standing on tiptoe naturally suggests an eager, forward-leaning posture filled with anticipation. Consequently, the character's meaning expanded beyond the physical realm to include abstract ideas such as hoping, expecting, planning, and striving towards a future goal. This progression of meaning from the concrete image of a person on tiptoe to the notion of purposeful endeavor is what ultimately led to the modern use of 企 in vocabulary for business enterprise and corporate planning.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
我喜欢看企鹅。
这家企业很成功。
他企图逃跑。
我们企盼明天。
企划会议开始了。
他企求更多帮助。
市场企稳回升。
这个目标难以企及。
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