[[Characters]] #Characters \ #Anatomy-and-Living \ #Motion-Conditions # 止 zhǐ to stop; to halt ## Components [[上 shàng]] [[丨 (gǔn)]] ## Meaning Today, the character "止" primarily means "to stop" or "to halt" as a verb. It signifies the action of bringing movement or activity to a pause or cessation. This concept extends beyond physical movement to include actions, thoughts, or processes that cease or come to an end. ## History The character "止" originally depicted a foot, represented by three slanting lines on top for toes and a triangular shape below for the sole. Over time, it evolved to signify stopping or halting. In ancient texts, it referred to the foot itself, and later, it came to denote the act of stopping. This evolution is reflected in its pictographic representation, transitioning from a foot depiction to a standardized character. Today, "止" is used as a verb meaning to stop or halt, emphasizing the wisdom of knowing when to pause or cease action. ## Evolution ### Oracular Script ![[止 zhǐ - ora.svg]] ### Bronze Script ![[止 zhǐ - bronce.svg]] ### Seal Script ![[止 zhǐ - sello.svg]] ### Clerical Script ![[止 zhǐ - cle.svg]] ### Regular Script ![[止 zhǐ - reg.svg]]