[[Characters]] #Characters \ #Natural-World \ #Plants # 木 mù wood; tree ## Components [[八 (bā)]] [[八 bā]] [[一 (yī)]] [[一 yī]] [[丨 (gǔn)]] ## Meaning The Chinese character 木 (mù) means "wood" or "tree." It represents the concept of wood as a material or as part of a tree. This character is often used in various contexts related to trees, forests, woodworking, and wooden objects. Additionally, it can be employed metaphorically to represent qualities associated with wood, such as strength, durability, or growth. Overall, 木 (mù) is a fundamental element in the Chinese language and culture, symbolizing the importance of trees and wood in human life and civilization. ## History The character 木 (mù) has a long history in Chinese writing, dating back thousands of years. Its earliest forms were pictographs resembling the shape of a tree with branches and roots. Over time, these pictographs evolved into the simplified form we recognize today. In ancient China, 木 (mù) was used to represent not only the material of wood but also the concept of trees and forests. Trees played a vital role in Chinese society, providing wood for construction, fuel, tools, and various other purposes. They were also revered for their beauty and symbolism in Chinese culture, often associated with growth, vitality, and resilience. Beyond its literal meaning, 木 (mù) acquired symbolic significance in Chinese philosophy and cosmology. In traditional Chinese thought, it was associated with the element of wood, one of the five elements believed to compose the universe. Wood was believed to represent qualities such as creativity, flexibility, and upward growth, reflecting its characteristics in nature. Throughout Chinese history, the character 木 (mù) has been used extensively in literature, poetry, art, and calligraphy, symbolizing the natural world and its enduring influence on human life. Today, it remains a fundamental element in the Chinese language, representing the cultural and historical importance of trees and wood in Chinese civilization. ## Evolution ### Oracular Script ![[木 ora.svg]] ### Bronze Script ![[木 bronce.svg]] ### Seal Script ![[木 sello.svg]] ### Clerical Script ![[木 cle.svg]] ### Regular Script ![[木 reg.svg]]