Definitions

to confer on; to give to

Etymology

Originally a pictograph of an arrow with a large arrowhead. Unrelated to the current meaning "give", which is a phonetic loan.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character 畀, structured with the component 田 positioned above 丌, originated as a verb meaning "to give" or "to confer" in classical Chinese, with this usage documented in early texts. Its etymology is linked to the concept of bestowal, though the modern components do not transparently reflect this original sense. Over time, while the character's form has persisted, its active meaning has narrowed, and it is now largely obsolete in standard Mandarin, surviving primarily in certain dialects and historical contexts where it retains the sense of giving.

Etymology Hide

Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Early Western Zhou (~1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Mid Western Zhou (~900 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern