委 icon

dejected, winding

is composed of (grain) and (woman). the grain will droop if it is ripe. On the other hand, the social status of ancient Chinese women is low, both and have the meaning of inflection, so means weak and deject. The ancient Chinese believed that it was natural and just for a woman to obey her husband and stay at the inferior position in the family.

Vocabulary of 委

  • 委派 (appoint)
  • 委婉 (tactful)

Related Characters: