shǐ
history
The characters 史 (history), 吏 (government official), 使 (cause; use; instruct), and 事 (matter; work; affair) are all etymologically related and all derive from the same ancient character, depicting a hand (又) holding a container for writing utensils.
Components
Evolution

Oracle script
(~1250-1000 BC)
Bronze script
Late Shang dynasty (~1100 BC)
Seal script
Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical script
Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)Regular script
ModernDefinitions
Most common words with 史
Freq. | Word | Meaning |
---|---|---|
history | ||
history | ||
historical | ||
since the beginning of history | ||
Steve (male name) |
Component uses
Iconic component in 1 character (1 verified)
Sources
季旭昇《說文新證》p.213-214