[[Characters]] #Characters \ #Natural-World \ #Animals # 牛 niú cow; ox ## Components [[牛 (niú)]] ## Meaning Today, the character "牛" (niú) primarily refers to the animal "cow" or "ox." It's commonly used in contexts related to livestock farming, agriculture, food, and sometimes in metaphorical expressions. Additionally, it can be used metaphorically to describe someone or something as strong, sturdy, or stubborn, drawing on the qualities often associated with cattle. ## History The character "牛" originated as a pictograph, representing the head of a cow or ox, symbolizing the animal itself. Cattle were essential domestic animals in ancient times. As a component of other characters, "牛" often relates to matters or affairs. In its pictographic form, "牛" in oracle bone script resembles the head of a cow when viewed from the front. This representation remained similar in bronze script. In seal script, the character became more standardized, eventually evolving into the modern form "牛" in regular script. The original meaning of "牛" refers to cattle, specifically oxen or cows used as livestock. For example, in historical texts like the "Yuefu Poetry," we find references to cattle and sheep grazing. Additionally, "牛" also serves as the name of a celestial constellation. In Wang Bo's "Preface to the Pavilion of Prince Teng," there's mention of the "Ox of the Southern Dipper," referring to the constellation containing the stars of the Dipper and the Ox. ## Evolution ### Oracular Script ![[牛 ora.svg]] ### Bronze Script ![[牛 bronce.svg]] ### Seal Script ![[牛 sello.svg]] ### Clerical Script ![[牛 cle.svg]] ### Regular Script ![[牛 reg.svg]]