[[Characters]] #Characters \ #Natural-World \ #Sounds # 声 shēng sound; tone ## Components [[士 shì]] [[士 (shì)]] ## Meaning Today, the character "声" (shēng) mainly means sound or voice. It can refer to any audible sound, whether it's music, speech, or noise. Additionally, it can also signify reputation, fame, or public image. ## History "声" originally meant musical sound. It's a compound ideogram composed of "耳" (ear) and "般" (representing the ancient musical instrument "磬"). The character indicated the act of listening to music. Later, "声" extended to signify fame or reputation. In contemporary usage, "声" can also mean reputation or public image. As a verb, it can signify proclaiming or declaring, such as in making an official statement regarding an event. ## Evolution ### Oracular Script ![[声 shēng - ora.svg]] ### Bronze Script ? ### Seal Script ![[声 shēng - sello.svg]] ### Clerical Script ![[声 shēng - cle.svg]] ### Regular Script ![[声 shēng - reg.svg]]