Explore each form from the oldest known stage to today.
The character 納 (nà) evolved from ancient Chinese script forms recorded in the Liushutong. It consists of the silk radical (糸) on the left, representing threads or fabric, and the component 內 (nèi) on the right, meaning 'inside' or 'to enter.' Combined, 納 originally meant 'to bring silk inside' or 'to receive,' extending to meanings like 'to accept,' 'to adopt,' 'to pay (taxes),' and 'to supply.' Over time, its usage expanded metaphorically while retaining the core concept of bringing something into a contained space or system. Arrived in Japan: The character 納 arrived in Japan during the early cultural exchanges with China, likely between the 5th and 7th centuries CE, when Chinese writing and Buddhism were systematically introduced to Japan. It was adopted into Japanese as 'nō' or 'tō,' used in words like 納める (osameru, 'to dedicate/pay') and 納豆 (nattō, fermented soybeans), reflecting its integrated role in language and culture.