[[Characters]] #Characters \ #Abstract-Concepts \ #Time-and-Space # 晚 wǎn evening; night ## Components [[日 (rì)]] [[日 rì]] [[免 miǎn]] ## Meaning Today, the character "晚" (wǎn) primarily signifies "evening" or "night" in modern Chinese. It refers to the time period after sunset until late night when darkness prevails. Additionally, it can also denote lateness or being late in various contexts, and it is often used in contrast with "早" (zǎo), meaning "morning" or "early." ## History The character "晚" (wǎn) is a compound ideogram. Its ancient form combines the components 日 (rì), representing the sun, and 免 (miǎn), meaning "to remove" or "to exclude." Together, they convey the concept of the time when the sun is removed from the sky, indicating evening or dusk. Originally, it meant the time after sunset. As the sun sets and evening arrives, the day comes to an end. In its original sense, "晚" refers to evening or dusk. It consists of the component "日" on the left, indicating its relation to the sun, and "免" on the right, representing its sound. As dusk marks the end of the day, "晚" has extended meanings referring to the later part of a period, such as "晚年" (late years) or "晚节" (late stage). Nowadays, "晚上" specifically refers to the period from dusk until late night, and it is often used in contrast with "早" (early). Additionally, younger individuals may refer to themselves as "晚辈" (junior) in front of their elders. ## Evolution ### Oracular Script ? ### Bronze Script ? ### Seal Script ![[晚seal.svg]] ### Clerical Script ![[晚cle.svg]] ### Regular Script ![[晚reg.svg]]