[[Characters]] #Characters \ #Abstract-Concepts \ #Time-and-Space # 北 běi north ## Components [[匕 bǐ]] ## Meaning Today, the character "北" is primarily used to indicate the northern direction. It is also used in various compound words and place names. ## History The character "北" originally depicted two people standing back to back, symbolizing separation or opposition. Later, it came to represent the northern direction. This change likely arose from the fact that in ancient times, when two people faced each other, one naturally faced south while the other faced north. Over time, "北" became exclusively associated with the northern direction, as in the case of Beijing, China's capital, located in the north. ## Evolution ### Oracular Script ![[北 ora.svg]] ### Bronze Script ![[北 bronce.svg]] ### Seal Script ![[北 sello.svg]] ### Clerical Script ![[北 cle.svg]] ### Regular Script ![[北 reg.svg]]