Explore each form from the oldest known stage to today.
The character 表 originated from the combination of 衣 (clothing) and 毛 (fur). In ancient China, people wore fur coats with the fur side facing outward. This character originally meant 'outer garment' or 'to show/exhibit,' representing something visible on the outside. Over time, its meaning expanded to include 'surface,' 'appearance,' 'to express,' and 'chart/table.' The character evolved from depicting actual fur clothing to representing abstract concepts of external manifestation and display. Arrived in Japan: The character 表 was introduced to Japan during the 5th-6th centuries AD, along with the broader adoption of Chinese writing systems and Confucian classics. It became part of the Japanese writing system during the Asuka and Nara periods when Chinese characters were systematically imported through Buddhist texts and official documents.