Explore each form from the oldest known stage to today.
The character 構 evolved from ancient pictographs representing the framework of a building. In Liushutong, L37301 shows an early form with 木 (tree/wood) and 冓 (originally depicting two beams crossing), indicating the construction of a wooden structure. Over time, it developed meanings related to building, constructing, framing, and preparing. The modern kanji 構 retains these core concepts, extending metaphorically to ideas of setting up systems, mental frameworks (構想 - concept), and even attitudes (構える - to posture/prepare). Arrived in Japan: The character likely arrived in Japan during the 5th-6th centuries CE along with the broader introduction of Chinese writing systems, possibly through Buddhist texts and diplomatic exchanges. It was formally incorporated into the Japanese writing system during the Asuka and Nara periods when Japan systematically adopted Chinese characters.