Explore each form from the oldest known stage to today.
The character 従 (simplified: 从) originally depicted two people following one another, representing the concept of 'following' or 'obeying.' In its earliest oracle bone script forms, it showed one person behind another. Over time, the character evolved through bronze script and seal script periods, with the modern 従 form emerging during the clerical script transformation. The character carries meanings of compliance, accompaniment, and submission. In Japanese, it maintains these core meanings while also being used in compounds like 従事する (to engage in) and 従来 (hitherto). Arrived in Japan: The character 従 was introduced to Japan during the Yayoi period (300 BCE - 300 CE) through cultural exchange with China, but became systematically established during the Asuka period (538-710 CE) when Japan adopted Chinese writing systems more formally, particularly through Buddhist texts and diplomatic documents.