[[Characters]] #Characters \ #Abstract-Concepts \ #Time-and-Space # 左 zuǒ English name ## Components [[工 gōng]] [[工 (gōng)]] [[一 yī]] [[一 (yī)]] [[撇 ((piě))]] ## Meaning In modern usage, "左" is commonly used to denote the left side, opposite to "右" (yòu), which means right. It can also be used as an adjective to indicate difference or dissimilarity. ## History The character "左" (zuǒ) originated as a pictographic character representing a left hand. In oracle bone script, it resembled the shape of a left hand. In bronze script, an additional component "工" (gōng) was added to signify the left hand assisting in labor. The original meaning of "左" was to help or assist, particularly with the left hand. However, this meaning was later replaced by the character "佐" (zuǒ) which specifically means to assist. ## Evolution ### Oracular Script ![[左oracular 1.svg]] ### Bronze Script ![[左bronze.svg]] ### Seal Script ![[左seal.svg]] ### Clerical Script ![[左cle.svg]] ### Regular Script ![[左reg.svg]]