当dāng
Character evolution
当
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Simplified · Today
繁体
Traditional Chinese
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Shuowen
弟 is formed by a bow‑like curve (弓) with a short horizontal stroke; the oracle bone pictograph shows a figure with a bent arm representing a younger sibling, giving the original meaning “younger brother.” The shape was kept because it visually distinguishes the younger from the elder (兄) by emphasizing the curved, subordinate posture.
Pinyin
dāng· HSK 1