About
The character "楷" is etymologically a phono-semantic compound, structured with the "木" radical denoting wood and the "皆" component offering phonetic guidance, originally referring to a species of hardwood tree known for its straight and usable timber. This concrete association with reliable and patterned wood gradually facilitated a semantic extension, whereby "楷" came to embody the abstract concept of a model, standard, or norm, as such wood was practically used for creating molds and instruments requiring precision. Over centuries, this conceptual meaning became primary, notably crystallizing in the term "楷书" for the regular script in calligraphy, which represents the standardized and formal style of writing. Thus, the character's evolution traces a path from a specific material referent to a broad ideal of exemplary form, all while maintaining its original structural composition.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
楷书很工整。
他在练楷书。
楷书是汉字字体。
老师教我们楷书。
他的楷书写得很好。
我们应该学习楷模。
这位科学家是大家的楷模。
楷体在印刷中常用。