常 icon

constant, common

" is composed of (esteem, judge) and (cloth). is a pictograph of an ancient tribunal, symbolizing an unshakable authority, thus carrying the meaning of fixed or unchanging. depicts a piece of cloth hanging on a wooden frame, which can be tailored into clothing. Originally, referred to everyday casual clothing, which is ordinary and changes little. Later, this meaning was taken over by the character (garment), and came to specifically denote something fixed and unchanging. "

Vocabulary of 常

  • 常識 (common sense)
  • 無常 (changeable)
  • 常見 (commonly seen)

Related Characters: