About
The character 儒 is structured with the person radical 人 on the left and the component 需 on the right, which primarily serves as a phonetic element. Etymologically, this character originally referred to a category of ritual specialists and educated individuals in early Chinese society who were knowledgeable in ceremonial practices. Over time, as Confucian thought gained influence, the meaning of 儒 shifted to designate specifically those scholars who followed the teachings of Confucius, thereby becoming the standard term for Confucianism and its adherents. This semantic evolution reflects the character's association with the dominant philosophical school, while its compositional form has not been altered.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
他学习儒学。
儒家思想很深刻。
这位儒生很用功。
儒雅是一种风度。
儒商注重诚信经营。
儒学在中国历史上很重要。
儒将既能文也能武。
儒家文化对东亚社会有深远影响。