[[Characters]] #Characters \ #Anatomy-and-Living \ #Mentality # 需 xū to need ## Components [[而 ér]] [[而 (ér)]] [[雨 yǔ]] [[雨 (yǔ)]] ## Meaning Today, the character "需" (xū) is mainly used in the following contexts: 1. **To need/To require**: Referring to something that is needed or required. 2. **Wait**: Its original meaning, to wait for something. 3. **Noun**: Used as a noun to refer to something that is needed or required. Overall, "需" is commonly used to indicate a need or requirement in various contexts in modern Chinese. ## History The character "需" (xū) evolved from the initial character of "濡" gradually. In the bronze inscription, the initial character of "濡" was a person with water drops on their body. By the Zhou Dynasty, "雨" (rain) was added, forming the character "需". When it rains, people need to wait for the rain to stop. Therefore, the original meaning of the character "需" is to wait. Later, it extended to mean "to need" or "to require". "需" can also be used as a noun, referring to something that is needed. In summary, "需" originally meant to wait, but it later extended to mean "to need" or "to require". It can also be used as a noun to refer to something that is needed. ## Evolution ### Oracular Script ![[需 xū - ora.svg]] ### Bronze Script ![[需 xū - bronce.svg]] ### Seal Script ![[需 xū - sello.svg]] ### Clerical Script ![[需 xū - cle.svg]] ### Regular Script ![[需 xū - reg.svg]]