Explore each form from the oldest known stage to today.
The character 七 (qī) originally depicted a line crossed through the middle, representing 'to cut' in oracle bone script. Over time, its meaning shifted to represent the number seven through phonetic loan. In bronze script and seal script, the horizontal stroke became longer while the vertical stroke shortened and curved, evolving into the modern form. The character's simple yet distinct crossed shape has remained remarkably consistent for millennia. Arrived in Japan: The character 七 arrived in Japan around the 5th century AD during the period when Chinese writing was introduced to Japan through Buddhist texts and cultural exchange, becoming part of the Japanese writing system as both a numeral and kanji character.