[[Characters]] #Characters \ #Natural-World \ #Tastes # 甘 gān willingness; sweetness ## Components [[艹 (cǎo)]] [[二 (èr)]] ## Meaning Today, the character "甘" primarily retains its original meaning of sweetness or deliciousness. It can also metaphorically represent willingness or contentment, as in "甘愿受罚" (willing to accept punishment). Additionally, it serves as a component in various characters related to sweetness or pleasantness. ## History The character "甘" originates from the oracle bone script, depicting a mouth and a mark representing delicious food being held inside. In the seal script, it retained this basic structure but became more standardized. In clerical script, it evolved into its modern form "甘". In its original meaning, "甘" refers to something delicious or sweet-tasting. For example, in the Book of Songs, it is said, "Who says tea is bitter? Its sweetness is like shepherd's purse." The pleasant taste of something sweet naturally evokes liking and willingness. Thus, "甘" later came to signify being willing or content, as in "甘愿受罚" (willing to accept punishment). ## Evolution ### Oracular Script ![[甘 gān - ora.svg]] ### Bronze Script ![[甘 gān - bronce.svg]] ### Seal Script ![[甘 gān - sello.svg]] ### Clerical Script ![[甘 gān - cle.svg]] ### Regular Script ![[甘 gān - reg.svg]]