Etymology of Chinese characters

Chinese characters have evolved over thousands of years from ancient pictographs and ideograms that visually represented objects or ideas. Over time, many characters became more abstract, combining multiple elements to convey meaning and pronunciation. This development involved brush strokes and standardized forms to facilitate writing and reading. The etymology of Chinese characters reveals a history of visual symbolism, linguistic shifts, and cultural influences, making each character a compact record of history, philosophy, and daily life. Understanding their origins offers insight into Chinese language, thought, and the interconnected development of writing and culture.