Explore each form from the oldest known stage to today.
The character 救 (jiù) evolved from ancient pictographs representing 'to save' or 'to rescue.' Its structure combines 求 (qiú), meaning 'to seek' or 'to request,' with 攵 (a variant of 攴), symbolizing 'to strike' or 'to act.' Together, they convey the idea of actively seeking to aid or deliver someone from danger. Over time, the character simplified into its modern form, retaining the core meaning of salvation, help, or remedy. Arrived in Japan: The character 救 likely arrived in Japan during the 5th to 6th centuries CE, alongside the introduction of Chinese writing systems (Kanji) through Buddhist scriptures and Confucian texts. It was formally adopted into the Japanese language as part of the Kanji repertoire, read as 'kyū' or 'suku(u)' (e.g., 救う, sukū, 'to rescue').