[[Characters]] #Characters \ #Society-and-Culture \ #Interpersonal-Relationships # 家 jiā house; home; family ## Components [[宀 mián]] [[宀 (mián)]] [[豕 (shǐ)]] ## Meaning Today, the character "家" (jiā) not only refers to a physical residence but also symbolizes family and household. ## History In ancient times, only nobles could afford dedicated temples for worship after death, while common people couldn't. Instead, they worshiped at home, often using pigs ("猪" pronounced as "jiā"). Over time, this led to the character "家" representing home. Now, "家" not only means residence but also family. In oracle bone script, it depicted "a house with a pig inside." In modern usage, it is a pictophonetic character. In the "Shuowen Jiezi," it's described as a dwelling place, derived from 宀 (roof) and 豭 (phonetic component). Today, "家" is essential, symbolizing both a place to live and the people who make it a home. ## Evolution ### Oracular Script ![[家oracular.svg]] ### Bronze Script ![[家bronze.svg]] ### Seal Script ![[家seal.svg]] ### Clerical Script ![[家cle.svg]] ### Regular Script ![[家reg.svg]]