Explore each form from the oldest known stage to today.
The character 動 (dòng, 'to move') is composed of 重 (zhòng, 'heavy') and 力 (lì, 'strength'). Its earliest forms in oracle bone and bronze scripts depicted a heavy object being moved with force, symbolizing the concept of setting something heavy into motion. Over centuries, its structure was standardized in clerical and regular script, but the core idea remained: movement generated through the application of strength. The character embodies the philosophical principle that effort overcomes inertia, and it extends metaphorically to mean 'to act,' 'to change,' or 'to stir emotions.' Arrived in Japan: The character 動, along with the Chinese writing system, was introduced to Japan around the 5th century CE, primarily through the importation of Chinese classics like the Confucian texts and the Thousand Character Classic. It was formally adopted into the Japanese writing system as a kanji, retaining the meaning 'to move' and read with the on'yomi 'dō'.