[[Characters]] #Characters \ #Objects-and-Machinery \ #Tools # 工 gōng work; skill ## Components [[一 (yī)]] [[一 yī]] [[上 shàng]] ## Meaning In modern usage, "工" is commonly seen in the word "工作" (gōngzuò), which means work or job. Work is not only a means of making a living but also a way for individuals to demonstrate their value. ## History The character "工" (gōng) originated as a pictogram representing a carpenter's tool. In ancient times, it depicted a vertically positioned axe, with the handle at the top and the blade at the bottom. This character evolved from oracle bone script to bronze script and then to seal script, where its original shape became less distinct. In clerical script, it transformed into its modern form. ## Evolution ### Oracular Script ![[工 ora.svg]] ### Bronze Script ![[工 bronce.svg]] ### Seal Script ![[工 sello.svg]] ### Clerical Script ![[工 cle.svg]] ### Regular Script ![[工 reg.svg]]