Explore each form from the oldest known stage to today.
The character 雄 (xióng) originally depicted a male bird, composed of 厷 (representing the arm/shoulder, suggesting strength) combined with 隹 (a short-tailed bird). Over time, its meaning expanded from 'male bird' to 'male' in general, and further to signify 'powerful,' 'heroic,' or 'outstanding.' Its evolution in Liushutong shows variants emphasizing the strong, masculine qualities, and it is the standard form used for 'male' or 'hero' in modern Chinese and Japanese. Arrived in Japan: The character 雄, along with many other Chinese characters, is believed to have arrived in Japan during the early centuries CE, primarily through the Korean Peninsula. Its adoption was solidified by the 5th century CE as part of the broader introduction of Chinese writing and culture.