Explore each form from the oldest known stage to today.
The character 孫 (sūn) originally depicted the concept of 'grandchild' or 'descendant' in ancient China. Its oracle bone script form showed a child (子) with a thread or cord (系) attached, symbolizing the continuation of family lineage. Over centuries, the character evolved through bronze script and seal script forms, gradually simplifying into the modern kanji shape. The core meaning expanded from 'grandchild' to include descendants in general, and by extension, something that follows or is subordinate, reflecting the hierarchical nature of traditional Chinese family structure. Arrived in Japan: The character 孫 arrived in Japan during the 5th-6th centuries CE, along with the broader introduction of Chinese writing system and culture, primarily through Korean scribes and Chinese immigrants. It was systematically adopted during the Asuka period (538-710 CE) as part of the wave of Chinese cultural influence that included Buddhism, Confucianism, and Chinese administrative practices.