[[Characters]] #Characters \ #Abstract-Concepts \ #Function-Words # 不 bù Negation particle ## Components [[一 (yī)]] [[卜 (bǔ)]] ## Meaning The Chinese character 不 (bù) is a fundamental character and has several meanings: 1. **Negation**: It is used to form the negative of verbs, adjectives, or sentences. For example, 不是 (bù shì) means "is not," 不喜欢 (bù xǐhuān) means "do not like." 2. **Not, no**: It can indicate the absence or negation of something. 3. **Opposite, reverse**: It can imply the opposite or reverse of something. Additionally, 不 (bù) is used in various compound words and phrases, giving meanings related to its different usages. ## History The Chinese character 不 (bù) has a long history dating back to ancient times. In its earliest form, seen in the Oracle Bone Script, 不 depicted a person with a large head and small legs, suggesting the idea of something incomplete or lacking. It originally conveyed the meaning of "to lack" or "not to have." During the Zhou Dynasty, the character evolved into a more stylized representation in the Bronze Inscription Script, but its basic meaning of negation or denial remained. In the Seal Script of the Qin Dynasty, 不 became more angular and simplified. Further simplification occurred during the Han Dynasty in the Clerical Script, making 不 more recognizable as the character used today. In modern Regular Script, 不 is further standardized, maintaining its basic structure from the Clerical Script. Throughout its evolution, 不 has retained its fundamental meanings of negation, denial, or the absence of something. It is a versatile character used in various compound words and phrases, reflecting its diverse range of meanings and usages. ## Evolution ### Oracular Script ? ### Bronze Script ![[夜 bronce.svg]] ### Seal Script ![[不seal.svg]] ### Clerical Script ![[不cle.svg]] ### Regular Script ![[不reg.svg]]