[[Characters]] #Characters \ #Anatomy-and-Living \ #States-and-Conditions # 有 yǒu possession or existence ## Components [[月 yuè]] [[月 (yuè)]] [[一 yī]] [[一 (yī)]] [[撇 ((piě))]] ## Meaning Today, the character "有" primarily denotes possession or existence. It is commonly used to indicate ownership, as in "我有一本书" (I have a book), or to express the presence or existence of something, as in "我们之间有很大的差距" (There is a big gap between us). It may also convey anticipation or expectation in phrases like "有朝一日" (One day). ## History The character "有" originally depicted the action of grasping something with the hand. In ancient times, both "有" and "又" shared the same form, resembling a right hand. However, in the transition from oracle bone script to bronze script, "有" acquired an additional component below, resembling a piece of preserved meat ("月"), symbolizing the act of holding a piece of meat, which implied possession or acquisition. Over time, "有" evolved to represent ownership or possession, as in "我有一本书" (I have a book). It also came to signify existence, as in "我们之间有很大的差距" (There is a big gap between us). Additionally, phrases like "有朝一日" convey a sense of anticipation or expectation. ## Evolution ### Oracular Script ![[有oracular.svg]] ### Bronze Script ![[有 bronce.svg]] ### Seal Script ![[有 sello.svg]] ### Clerical Script ![[有 cle.svg]] ### Regular Script ![[有 reg.svg]]