Explore each form from the oldest known stage to today.
The character 習 originally depicted a bird's wings (羽) above the sun (日), symbolizing a young bird practicing flight at dawn. This evolved to represent the concept of repetition, practice, and learning through habit. Over time, the character simplified to its current form while retaining the core meaning of studying, practicing, and becoming familiar with something through repeated exercise. Arrived in Japan: The character 習 arrived in Japan during the 5th-6th centuries CE, along with the broader introduction of Chinese writing systems (kanji) through cultural exchange with Korea and direct contact with China. It became established as part of the Japanese writing system during the Asuka and Nara periods.