Explore each form from the oldest known stage to today.
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The character 別 (bié) originally depicted a bone being separated from flesh with a knife. Its ancient form shows 冎 (bone) combined with 刀 (knife), representing the concept of separation or distinction. Over time, the character evolved to its modern form while retaining the core meaning of 'to separate,' 'to part,' or 'to distinguish.' It can also mean 'another' or 'different' when something is separated from the original. Arrived in Japan: The character 別 arrived in Japan during the 5th-6th centuries CE along with the broader introduction of Chinese writing system (kanji) through Korean scholars and Buddhist texts. It was formally incorporated into the Japanese writing system and appears in early Japanese documents like the Manyōshū (8th century).