yín

3rd earthly branch

Originally written the same as (arrow). Later two hands (𦥑) were added to distinguish the characters.

Components
矢 iconic component

  Iconic component

shǐ

  

arrow

𦥑 distinguishing component

𦥑  Distinguishing component

  

two hands

Evolution

寅 Oracle script (~1250-1000 BC)

Oracle script

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

Bronze script

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

Seal script

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

Clerical script

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

Regular script

Modern
Definitions

 

yín

to respect, reverence; respectfully; 3rd terrestrial branch; 3rd earthly branch: 3-5 a.m., 1st solar month (4th February-5th March), year of the Tiger; ancient Chinese compass point: 60°

Most common words with 寅
Freq.
Word
Meaning

ancient Chinese compass point: 60°

甲寅

51st year A3 of the 60 year cycle, e.g. 1974 or 2034

庚寅

twenty-seventh year G3 of the 60 year cycle, e.g. 2010 or 2070

壬寅

thirty-ninth year I3 of the 60 year cycle, e.g. 1962 or 2022

丙寅

third year C3 of the 60 year cycle, e.g. 1986 or 2046

Component uses

Sound component in 2 characters (1 verified)