Definitions

yòu (of divinity) to bless; to protect

Etymology

About

pairs the "spirit/altar" radical on the left, anchoring it in religious ritual, deities, and ancestors, with (yòu, "right side") on the right. While primarily indicates the pronunciation, it also carries a historical connotation of assistance or support, so the character denotes divine protection, blessing, or aid, especially the grace bestowed by gods, heaven, or ancestral spirits in times of hardship.

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 Late Spring and Autumn (~500 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
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