About
The character "宙" is constructed from the semantic radical "宀", which signifies a roof or enclosed space, and the phonetic component "由", with its earliest documented meaning referring to the ridgepole or central beam of a house, a key structural element defining interior space. This original sense later extended metaphorically to denote the concept of time, as the ridgepole's function as a spanning support was analogized to temporal duration, leading to its use in classical philosophy to represent infinite or cyclical time. Over centuries, its meaning further expanded into the spatial realm, especially when combined with "宇" in the term "宇宙", where it contributes to the comprehensive idea of the cosmos, integrating both temporal and spatial dimensions. The character's form has remained consistent without distinction between traditional and simplified versions, and its semantic journey from a specific architectural feature to an abstract principle of time and space exemplifies a common pathway in the evolution of Chinese characters where concrete imagery informs conceptual understanding.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
宇宙很大。
我们探索宇宙的奥秘。
宇宙飞船飞向了太空。
他对宇宙科学很感兴趣。
宇宙中存在着无数星系。
宇宙尘埃是星球形成的材料。
神话中的宙斯掌管着天空。
宇宙的浩瀚常令人类感到自身渺小。