Definitions
(noun)
end; final stage
(noun)
tip; extremity
(noun)
powder; dust
Etymology
Similar to 木 (tree), with an extra line at the top. Depicts the top end of a tree.
About
The character 末 is an ideogrammic compound formed by adding a horizontal stroke 一 to the upper part of the "tree" character 木. This stroke indicates the treetop or tip, establishing the original meaning as the physical extremity of a plant. From this literal origin, the concept extended to mean the end or final part of a sequence, period, or event. It also carries the sense of something minor or non-essential, in contrast to the fundamental base, and refers to substances in their finest form, like powder or dust.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
我喜欢周末。
末班车来了。
这是书的末尾。
月末我们发工资。
他排在队伍的末端。
周末的天气通常很好。
期末考试的复习很重要。
末代皇帝的故事很有趣。