[[Characters]] #Characters \ #Abstract-Concepts \ #Pronouns # 它 tā it; third person singular ## Components [[宀 (mián)]] [[匕 bǐ]] ## Meaning Today, the character "它" is primarily used as a pronoun to refer to objects or beings other than the subject being discussed. It means "it" or "other." For example, "它的" means "its," and "它们" means "they" when referring to objects or beings. ## History The character "它" originally meant "snake." It represented a snake's body curving down, resembling the shape of its tail. In ancient times, people living in grassy areas were worried about snakes, so they would ask each other if they had encountered any snakes. Over time, the character "它" extended its meaning to refer to "other things" or "other beings" apart from humans. It is also used as a pronoun to refer to things other than the subject being discussed. ## Evolution ### Oracular Script ![[它oracular 1.svg]] ### Bronze Script ![[它 tā - Bronce.svg]] ### Seal Script ![[它 seal.svg]] ### Clerical Script ![[它 cle.svg]] ### Regular Script ![[它 reg.svg]]