己

己 icon

self, sixth

己 is a pictograph depicting a coiled or bent rope, originally implying restraint or discipline. This meaning was later taken over by 紀. Nowadays, 己 is used to denote oneself, as the most capable of restraining oneself is the person themselves.

Vocabulary of 己

  • 自己 (myself)
  • 克己 (self-restraint)
  • 捨己 (selfless)

Related Characters: