[[Characters]] #Characters \ #Natural-World \ #Celestial-Phenomena # 气 qì gas; air ## Components [[气 (qì)]] ## Meaning Today, the character "气" primarily refers to "air" or "gas" in a physical sense. It also carries abstract meanings related to mental states and emotions, such as courage, spirit, temperament, and mood. Additionally, it can denote energy, vitality, or aura in certain contexts. ## History The character "气" originally depicted clouds in ancient times, represented by three horizontal lines of varying lengths in oracle bone script, resembling the layered and drifting appearance of clouds. In later scripts like bronze and seal script, the character evolved to depict the swirling and rising movement of clouds. Over time, "气" broadened in meaning to represent all forms of gas, becoming the foundation of all things. As gas is intangible yet pervasive, the abstract concept of "气" extended to various mental states of humans, such as courage, ambition, spirit, and anger. The renowned Chinese philosopher Mengzi, also known as Mencius, emphasized the cultivation of one's moral character with the famous saying: "I know how to speak, and I am good at nourishing my expansive spirit." ## Evolution ### Oracular Script ![[气 ora.svg]] ### Bronze Script ![[气 bronce.svg]] ### Seal Script ![[气 sello.svg]] ### Clerical Script ![[气 cle.svg]] ### Regular Script ![[气 qì - reg.svg]]