Explore each form from the oldest known stage to today.
The character 受 (shòu) originally depicted a hand-to-hand transfer, combining 爪 (claw/hand), 冖 (cover), and 又 (another hand). In oracle bone script, it represented both 'to receive' and 'to give' - the same action viewed from different perspectives. Over time, it specialized to mean primarily 'to receive' or 'to accept,' while 授 developed for 'to give' or 'to teach.' The character embodies the concept of transmission between people, whether receiving knowledge, objects, or experiences. Arrived in Japan: The character 受 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 Korea. It was formally incorporated into Japanese writing during the Asuka period when Japan systematically adopted Chinese characters for official records and literary works.