[[Characters]] #Characters \ #Objects-and-Machinery \ #Architecture # 具 jù tool; measure word ## Components [[目 (mù)]] [[目 mù]] [[八 (bā)]] [[八 bā]] ## Meaning "具" is commonly used in various contexts in modern Chinese: 1. **Preparation**: It's often used in words related to preparation or provision, such as "具备" (to possess), "具有" (to have), and "具体" (concrete, specific). 2. **Tools and Utensils**: It's used to refer to tools, equipment, or utensils, as in "家具" (furniture), "器具" (utensils), and "厨具" (kitchenware). 3. **Measure Word**: It's also a measure word used for certain items like "棺材" (coffin) and "尸体" (corpse), as in "一具棺材" (a coffin) and "一具尸体" (a corpse). ## History The character "具" depicts two hands holding a container filled with food, preparing for a banquet. In the oracle bone script, the middle part of "具" represents a "tripod" used for containing food, with two hands on both sides. The character signifies hands holding a container filled with food. Therefore, the original meaning of "具" is to prepare meals or banquets. Later, it was extended to mean "to prepare" or "to get ready", as seen in "具备" and "具有". "具" can also be used as a measure word, indicating the quantity of objects like corpses and certain utensils. The etymology of "具" suggests that it originally meant to prepare meals or banquets. Later, it was extended to mean "to prepare". Furthermore, it developed to mean "to possess" or "to have", as in "别具匠心" (unique and original) and "独具慧眼" (have unique insight). Later on, it was further extended to refer to general tools and utensils, used as a noun stem. For example, "玩具" (toy). Additionally, "具" can be used as a measure word, specifically for "棺材" (coffin), "尸体" (corpse), and certain utensils, as in "一具尸体" (a corpse). ## Evolution ### Oracular Script ![[具 jù - ora.svg]] ### Bronze Script ![[具 jù - bronce.svg]] ### Seal Script ![[具 jù - sello.svg]] ### Clerical Script ![[具 jù - cle.svg]] ### Regular Script ![[具 jù - reg.svg]]