shǐ

history

The characters (history), (government official), 使 (cause; use; instruct), and (matter; work; affair) are all etymologically related and all derive from the same ancient character, depicting a hand () holding a container for writing utensils.

Components
◎ iconic component

  Iconic component

  

characterless component

Depicts a container for writing utensils.

又 iconic component

  Iconic component

yòu

  

(hand), again

Depicts a hand.

Evolution

史 Oracle script (~1250-1000 BC)

Oracle script

(~1250-1000 BC)
史 Bronze script Late Shang dynasty (~1100 BC)

Bronze script

Late Shang dynasty (~1100 BC)
史 Seal script Shuowen (~100 AD)

Seal script

Shuowen (~100 AD)
史 Clerical script Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)

Clerical script

Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
史 Regular script Modern

Regular script

Modern
Definitions

 

shǐ

history, chronicle, annals; history; annals; title of an official historian in ancient China

 

Shǐ

surname Shi

Most common words with 史
Freq.
Word
Meaning

历史

history

history

历史上

historical

有史以来

since the beginning of history

史蒂夫

Steve (male name)

Component uses

Sound component in 3 characters (1 verified)

Iconic component in 1 character (1 verified)