[[Characters]] #Characters \ #Society-and-Culture \ #Interpersonal-Relationships # 爷 yé father; elderly man ## Components [[父 fù]] [[父 (fù)]] [[丨 (gǔn)]] [[横折钩 ((héng zhé gōu))]] ## Meaning The character "爷" (yé) has several meanings in modern Chinese, including: 1. **Father**: It is often used as a term for "father" or "dad," especially in a respectful or affectionate context. 2. **Elderly Man**: It can refer to an old man or elder, often conveying respect. 3. **Grandfather**: In some contexts, it is used to refer to a grandfather or an older male relative. 4. **Formal Address**: It is also used in titles or formal addresses, such as in "爷爷" (yéye), which means "grandfather." Overall, "爷" carries connotations of respect and familial relationships, particularly concerning older male figures. ## History The character "爷" (yé) is a **pictophonetic** character. The component "父" signifies "father," and ancient forms of the character resembled a hand holding a stone axe, representing a father engaged in physical labor within the family. The phonetic element "耶" (ye) indicates sound. In its simplified form, "爷" includes "父" and the component "口," which looks like a kneeling person. Its original meaning is "father." ## Evolution ### Oracular Script ? ### Bronze Script ? ### Seal Script ? ### Clerical Script ![[爷 cle.svg]] ### Regular Script ![[爷 reg.svg]]