[[Characters]] #Characters \ #Abstract-Concepts \ #Sequence # 巳 sì 6th of the 12 Earthly Branches ## Components [[己 (jǐ)]] [[乚 (yǐ)]] ## Meaning Today, the character "巳" (sì) is primarily used to represent the sixth earthly branch in the traditional Chinese calendar. It is also used as a radical in Chinese characters, indicating that it is related to human beings. ## History The character "巳" (sì) is a pictographic character. In oracle bone script, bronze script, and small seal script, it resembled the shape of a fetus. Originally, it specifically referred to a fetus. Later, it was borrowed to represent the sixth earthly branch. "巳" is also a radical (now classified under the "己" radical), indicating that it is related to human beings. ## Evolution ### Oracular Script ![[巳 sì - ora.svg]] ### Bronze Script ![[巳 sì - bronce.svg]] ### Seal Script ![[巳 sì - sello.svg]] ### Clerical Script ![[巳 sì - cle.svg]] ### Regular Script ![[巳 sì - reg.svg]]