Explore each form from the oldest known stage to today.
The character 父 (fù) originally depicted a hand holding a stone axe or tool, symbolizing authority and the male head of household who worked with implements. In oracle bone script (c. 1600-1046 BCE), it clearly showed this tool-holding hand imagery. Over time, the character simplified into its modern form while retaining the meaning of 'father' or 'elder male.' The character embodies Confucian values of paternal authority and family hierarchy that were central to ancient Chinese society. Arrived in Japan: The character 父 arrived in Japan around the 5th century CE along with the broader introduction of Chinese writing system during the Yayoi period. It was adopted into Japanese as 'chichi' (father) and became part of the kanji system, maintaining its core meaning while being integrated into Japanese language and culture.