[[Characters]] #Characters \ #Society-and-Culture \ #Politics-and-Military # 殳 shū weapon made of bamboo ## Components [[几 (jī)]] [[几 jǐ]] [[又 yòu]] [[又 (yòu)]] ## Meaning Today, the character "殳" is primarily used as a component in other characters rather than being used independently. It retains its historical meaning related to weapons and military implements in certain compound characters, but it's not commonly used in modern Chinese language or everyday communication. ## History The character "殳" is a compound ideogram. In its earliest form found in oracle bone script, the left side depicts a long-handled weapon, while the right side represents a hand, suggesting the action of wielding a weapon. Thus, "殳" originally referred to a type of weapon. Its primary meaning is an ancient weapon without a blade, typically made of bamboo and used for striking or thrusting. In later script forms like bronze inscription, the upper part of the character resembles a hand holding a weapon. This visual element remained consistent in the small seal script, which eventually evolved into the standard script form "殳" seen today. According to ancient texts like the "Book of Rites," the "殳" was a weapon used for thrusting or striking, typically made with eight corners and measuring one zhang and two chi (approximately 4 meters) in length. It was often mounted on chariots and used by vanguards in military formations. Additionally, "殳" can also be a surname. Therefore, "殳" originally denoted a specific type of weapon, mainly for striking, made of bamboo, and shaped like a lance with a pointed tip. ## Evolution ### Oracular Script ![[殳 shū - ora.svg]] ### Bronze Script ![[殳 shū - bronce.svg]] ### Seal Script ![[殳 shū - sello.svg]] ### Clerical Script ![[殳 shū - cle.svg]] ### Regular Script ![[殳 shū - reg.svg]]