[[Characters]] #Characters \ #Anatomy-and-Living \ #States-and-Conditions # 段 duàn section, segment ## Components [[殳 shū]] [[殳 (shū)]] ## Meaning Today, the character "段" primarily signifies a section or part of something. It can refer to a segment or division within a larger entity. Additionally, it may denote grassroots organizations within certain departments or industries. In modern usage, it still retains its original sense of breaking or separating something into parts, but it is more commonly associated with divisions, sections, or stages in various contexts. ## History The character "段" is a compound ideograph. In ancient times, it depicted the action of using a tool to strike and break stones from a cliff. The original meaning of "段" is related to striking or hammering, particularly in the context of breaking objects apart. This action of breaking something led to the extended meaning of "section" or "part." For example, "第三段" refers to the third section, indicating a division of something into parts. Over time, it also came to refer to grassroots organizations within certain departments, such as "工段" for a work section. Additionally, it can specifically refer to the posture or movement of a woman, highlighting the diverse semantic extensions of the character. ## Evolution ### Oracular Script ? ### Bronze Script ![[段 bronze 1.svg]] ### Seal Script ![[段 duàn - Sello.svg]] ### Clerical Script ![[段 duàn - Clerical.svg]] ### Regular Script ![[段 reg.svg]]