[[Characters]] #Characters \ #Anatomy-and-Living \ #Hand-Actions # 按 àn to press or push down with the hand ## Components [[扌 (shǒu)]] [[安 ān]] ## Meaning Nowadays, the character "按" means to press or push down with the hand. It also carries the extended meaning of control or restrain. As a preposition, it means "according to" or "in accordance with." For example, "按图索骥" means to follow a map to find what one is looking for. Additionally, it is used metaphorically to describe someone who is rigid and uncreative. ## History The character "按" is a combination of "手" (shǒu) meaning "hand" on the left, and "安" (ān) meaning "safe" on the right. It originally meant to press down with the hand. Later, it extended to mean control or restrain, as in "按不住心头怒火" (unable to control one's anger). It is also used as a preposition, meaning "according to" or "in accordance with," as in "按图索骥" (to seek one's aim according to a map), which now metaphorically refers to being rigid and uncreative. In a society that values innovation, those who "按图索骥" have lost their market. ## Evolution ### Oracular Script ? ### Bronze Script ![[按 àn - bronce.svg]] ### Seal Script ![[按 àn - sello.svg]] ### Clerical Script ? ### Regular Script ![[按 àn - reg.svg]]