Explore each form from the oldest known stage to today.
The character 卑 (bēi) originally depicted a hand holding a wine vessel in ancient bronze inscriptions, symbolizing someone of low status serving alcohol to superiors. Over time, it evolved to mean 'lowly,' 'humble,' or 'base.' The modern form consists of 十 (ten) over 甲 (armor) with 八 (eight) below, though its components are largely phonetic now. In Chinese philosophy, it represents the virtue of humility when balanced with proper self-respect. Arrived in Japan: The character 卑 arrived in Japan during the 5th-6th centuries CE along with the broader introduction of Chinese writing system through Buddhist texts and Confucian classics. It was incorporated into the Japanese language as part of the kanji system, reading as 'hi' or 'iyashii,' and appears in early Japanese texts like the 8th century Man'yōshū poetry collection.