[[Characters]] #Characters \ #Natural-World \ #Animals # 犬 quǎn dog ## Components [[大 (dà)]] [[丶 (zhǔ)]] ## Meaning The character 犬 (quǎn) means "dog" or "canine." It represents a domesticated carnivorous mammal that typically has a long snout, an acute sense of smell, and a barking, howling, or whining voice. Dogs have been companions to humans for thousands of years and serve various roles, including pets, guardians, hunters, and working animals. In Chinese culture, dogs are often associated with loyalty, protection, and companionship. They have featured prominently in folklore, mythology, and art, symbolizing auspicious qualities and serving as guardians against evil spirits. ## History The character 犬 (quǎn) has a long history in Chinese writing, dating back thousands of years. Its earliest forms were pictographs resembling the shape of a dog or a canine animal. Over time, these pictographs evolved into the simplified form we recognize today. As a fundamental element of Chinese language and culture, 犬 (quǎn) continues to symbolize the enduring bond between humans and dogs and the qualities they embody. ## Evolution ### Oracular Script ![[犬 quǎn - Ora.svg]] ### Bronze Script ![[犬 quǎn - Bronze.svg]] ### Seal Script ![[犬 quǎn - Seal.svg]] ### Clerical Script ![[犬 quǎn - Cle.svg]] ### Regular Script ![[犬 quǎn - Reg.svg]]