good, benevolent

善 is composed of a variant of 羊 (sheep) and a variant of 誩 (argument). In the minds of the ancients, the sheep carried the meaning of beauty or goodness, while 誩 means to argue or dispute. Together they convey the idea of good debate and discussion that allows the truth or facts to become clear. Therefore, 善 means good or fine, and is also used to describe a person of virtuous character.