Explore each form from the oldest known stage to today.
The character 営 evolved from ancient Chinese forms depicting a structure or establishment. In Liushutong, L10727 shows an early variant with 呂 (representing connected rooms or structures) combined with other elements, evolving into the modern form with 艹 (grass radical) and 呂. The character means 'to operate,' 'manage,' or 'camp' (as in military camp), reflecting its connection to organized spaces and activities. Over time, the graphical elements simplified while maintaining the core concept of an organized establishment where business or military operations occur. Arrived in Japan: The character likely arrived in Japan during the 5th-6th centuries CE along with the introduction of Chinese writing system (kanji) through Buddhist texts and cultural exchange with China and Korea, becoming established in the Japanese writing system during the Asuka and Nara periods.