[[Characters]] #Characters \ #Anatomy-and-Living \ #Mentality # 安 ān security; safety ## Components [[宀 (mián)]] [[女 (nǚ)]] ## Meaning Today, the character "安" primarily means "safe" or "safety." It can refer to physical safety, as in "安全" (safety), or to a sense of peace and security, as in "平安" (peaceful). Additionally, "安" can be used as a verb to indicate stabilizing or securing something. ## History In the character "安", you can see a woman sitting in a house, indicating safety and security. The original meaning is "peaceful" or "secure." As a verb, it means "to stabilize" or "to secure." For example, "治国安邦" means "to stabilize the country." "安" can also be used as an interrogative word meaning "how" or "what," as in "安能摧眉折腰事权贵" ("How can one lower oneself to flatter the powerful?"). Today, "安" is becoming increasingly important. Phrases like "联合国安全理事会" (United Nations Security Council), "食品安全" (food safety), and "安全施工" (safe construction) emphasize the importance of safety in various aspects of life. ## Evolution ### Oracular Script ![[安 ān - ora.svg]] ### Bronze Script ? ### Seal Script ![[安 ān - sello.svg]] ### Clerical Script ![[安 ān - cle.svg]] ### Regular Script ![[安 ān - reg.svg]]