[[Characters]] #Characters \ #Anatomy-and-Living \ #Foot-Actions # 立 lì so set up; to establish ## Components [[丷 (bǎ)]] [[一 (yī)]] [[一 yī]] [[亠 (tóu)]] ## Meaning Today, the character "立" (lì) primarily signifies "to establish" or "to set up" in modern usage. It is commonly used in contexts related to establishing institutions, creating policies, or setting up structures. Additionally, it can convey the idea of "to erect" or "to raise," both physically and metaphorically. For example, it is used in phrases like "树立" (to establish), "建立" (to build), or "设立" (to set up), indicating actions of creating or founding something new. Overall, "立" continues to represent the notion of establishing or erecting various entities or concepts in contemporary Chinese language and culture. ## History The character "立" (lì) originally meant "to stand" and is a compound ideograph. In oracle bone script, it depicted a person standing with legs apart, indicating an upright posture. In ancient times, officials stood according to their ranks during court ceremonies, known as "立班" (standing ranks). Additionally, "立" also conveys the concept of position or status, akin to "位" (wèi), signifying rank or position. In contemporary usage, "立" has numerous extended meanings, such as "to establish," "to set up," or "to institute." Actions like "树立" (to establish), "建立" (to build), or "设置" (to set up) all involve establishing something new, contributing to societal progress and advancement. In seal script, "立" retained the basic shape of a person standing, and in clerical script, it became more linear. The character "立" signifies standing and serves as the root for various related characters, reflecting its fundamental meaning of standing or positioning oneself. ## Evolution ### Oracular Script ![[立 lì - ora.svg]] ### Bronze Script ![[立 lì - bronce.svg]] ### Seal Script ![[立 lì - sello.svg]] ### Clerical Script ![[立 lì - cle.svg]] ### Regular Script ![[立 lì - reg.svg]]