[[Characters]] #Characters \ #Society-and-Culture \ #Clothing-and-Accessories # 裳 cháng，shang clothes; skirt ## Components [[衣 yī]] [[衣 (yī)]] [[口 kǒu]] [[口 (kǒu)]] [[冖 (mì)]] [[⺌ (xiǎo)]] ## Meaning Today, the character “裳” has two main meanings depending on pronunciation: - **Cháng** refers to a **lower garment**, such as a skirt or a traditional type of clothing worn on the lower body. - **Shang** is used in the compound **衣裳** (yīshang), meaning **clothes** or **clothing** in general. In modern usage, it often appears in phrases related to traditional clothing but is less common on its own outside of the compound "衣裳." ## History The character “裳” (cháng, shang) is a phonetic compound character. The component “衣” indicates that it is related to clothing, and its ancient form resembles a garment. The phonetic part “尚” (shang) also carries the meaning of “esteem” or “respect,” reflecting the ancient cultural value placed on clothing. Originally, “裳” referred specifically to a **lower garment** worn by both men and women, similar to a skirt. Over time, it came to be used more generally to refer to **clothing**. - **Cháng** refers to the lower garment in ancient clothing, such as in the phrase “绿衣黄裳” (green top and yellow skirt). - **Shang** is used in compounds like “衣裳” (yīshang), which means “clothes.” ## Evolution ### Oracular Script ? ### Bronze Script ? ### Seal Script ? ### Clerical Script ![[裳 cle.svg]] ### Regular Script ![[裳 reg.svg]]