[[Characters]] #Characters \ #Natural-World \ #Celestial-Phenomena # 明 míng clarity; understanding ## Components [[日 rì]] [[日 (rì)]] [[月 yuè]] [[月 (yuè)]] ## Meaning Today, the character 明 (míng) in modern Chinese primarily signifies clarity, understanding, and intelligence. It is often used to describe things that are clear, evident, or well-understood. Additionally, it can denote wisdom or intelligence when describing a person's character or actions. ## History The original meaning of "明" (míng) is brightness and clarity. As described in ancient texts like the "Shuowen," it refers to brightness and illumination. For example, in the "Book of Songs," it is mentioned that "the east is bright." Tang Dynasty poets Li Bai and Du Fu also used it to depict brightness in their poems. "Ming" can also mean clear or understood, as seen in historical texts like "Strategies of the Warring States," where it is used to signify clarity of understanding. Additionally, it can denote clarity or distinction, as in the passage from "Xunzi," which discusses the clarity of governance. In terms of its composition, the character "明" is formed by combining the components "日" (rì) and "月" (yuè), originally representing the sun and the moon, symbolizing brightness. In some ancient scripts, the component "面" (miàn) was used instead of "日," indicating viewing the moon through a window, which also conveyed the sense of brightness. ## Evolution ### Oracular Script ![[明 ora.svg]] ### Bronze Script ![[明 bronce.svg]] ### Seal Script ![[明 sello.svg]] ### Clerical Script ![[明 cle.svg]] ### Regular Script ![[明 reg.svg]]