Explore each form from the oldest known stage to today.
The character 奮 (fèn) depicts a bird spreading its wings over a field, symbolizing vigorous movement and excitement. Its components break down as 大 (large), 隹 (bird), and 田 (field), representing a bird taking flight from a field with great energy. Originally meaning 'to flap wings' or 'to excite,' it evolved to signify 'to exert oneself,' 'to rouse,' or 'to strive vigorously.' In Liushutong, L36510 shows an early form closer to the modern 奮, capturing this dynamic imagery of a bird bursting upward from the fields. Arrived in Japan: The character 奮 likely arrived in Japan during the early medieval period (around the 5th-6th centuries CE) along with the broader introduction of Chinese writing systems. It was incorporated into Japanese as part of the on'yomi reading 'fun' in compounds like 奮闘 (funtō - fighting bravely) and 興奮 (kōfun - excitement).