Chinese Characters

尚

PINYIN

shàng

Main meanings:

①value, esteem.

②fairly; rather.

③still, yet.

HSK - 5

STROKES - 8

RADICAL -小

Elements: building 向 + separate 八. Phonetic series: 尚

Pictogram of a building向 with the ridge pole of the roof which separate 八 winds. The highest part of the house, therefore respected, as it symbolizes the welfare of the family.

Main Words:

时尚 shíshàng fashion K5
尚且 shàngqiě yet; still; even; also. K6

Most of the etymologists agree that this character evolved from the pictogram of a house with something on its roof. Though the nature of the thing placed in its roof is discussed, a roof ridge, two woods, smoke leaving the house, etc; being in the upper part of the house it means high, elevated, valuable. Then value, esteem.

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