Explore each form from the oldest known stage to today.
The character 偉 evolved from ancient forms depicting a person of exceptional stature or importance. In Liushutong, L15290 shows an early variant combining the 'person' radical (人 or 亻) with elements suggesting grandeur or authority. Over centuries, it standardized into modern 偉, consisting of 亻(person) and 韋(surround/protect), conveying the meaning of 'great,' 'eminent,' or 'impressive.' The character embodies Confucian values of moral greatness and outstanding achievement. Arrived in Japan: The character 偉 likely arrived in Japan during the 5th-6th centuries CE along with the broader introduction of Chinese writing system (kanji) through Buddhist texts and cultural exchange with China and Korea. It was incorporated into the Japanese language as part of the on'yomi reading system, pronounced as 'i' (as in idai偉大 - great, magnificent).