[[Characters]] #Characters \ #Natural-World \ #Celestial-Phenomena # 雪 xuě snow ## Components [[雨 (yǔ)]] [[雨 yǔ]] [[彐 (jì)]] ## Meaning The character 雪 (xuě) in modern Chinese primarily means "snow." It can be used in various contexts related to snow, such as: 1. **Weather Phenomenon**: Referring to the precipitation of snow. - Example: 今天下雪了 (Jīntiān xià xuě le) - "It snowed today." 2. **Descriptive Terms**: Used in descriptions or as part of compound words. - Example: 雪白 (xuěbái) - "snow-white," describing something as being very white. 3. **Names**: It is often used in Chinese names. - Example: The given name 雪 (Xuě) for girls, symbolizing purity or beauty. In idiomatic expressions, it can carry symbolic meanings related to purity, whiteness, or cleansing. Overall, 雪 (xuě) is a versatile character used predominantly in relation to snow and its qualities. ## History The character "雪" (xuě) originally depicted snowfall as feather-like patterns, combining "雨" (rain) on top and "羽" (feathers) below. Snow, formed from ice crystals in the air, symbolizes purity and freshness. In Chinese culture, "雪" represents whiteness, and "雪色" refers to the color white. Snowfall is crucial for agriculture, as it insulates soil, freezes pests, and moisturizes the earth, ensuring abundant harvests. The phrase "瑞雪兆丰年" ("A timely snow promises a prosperous year") reflects this significance. On the other hand, "学" (xué), meaning "to learn" or "study," originated as a compound ideogram in oracle bone script. It depicted hands weaving a fishing net or constructing a house, signifying skills acquired through diligent learning. Over time, "学" has extended to encompass knowledge, learning, and education, with children seen as the primary learners. ## Evolution ### Oracular Script ![[雪oracular 1.svg]] ### Bronze Script ? ### Seal Script ![[雪sello.svg]] ### Clerical Script ![[雪cle.svg]] ### Regular Script ![[雪reg.svg]]