Explore each form from the oldest known stage to today.
The character 免 (miǎn) originally depicted a person wearing a ceremonial headdress or crown, representing the concept of 'exemption' or 'release.' In ancient bronze script, it showed a kneeling figure with an elaborate headpiece. Over time, the character evolved through seal script to its current form, maintaining the essence of 'freeing from obligation.' The core meanings include 'to excuse,' 'to avoid,' 'to escape,' and 'to dismiss.' It's used in words like 免職 (dismissal from post), 免税 (tax exemption), and 避免 (to avoid). Arrived in Japan: The character 免 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. It was formally incorporated into the Japanese writing system during the Asuka and Nara periods when Japan systematically adopted Chinese characters for official documents and literary works.