兴xīng

兴

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Simplified · Today

繁体

Traditional Chinese

The traditional form 興 depicts hands (八) lifting a tray or vessel (罒), capturing the original meaning of raising or setting in motion. From this gesture of lifting came the extended senses of flourishing, prospering, and enthusiasm — meanings preserved today in compounds like 興奮 (excitement), 興旺 (prosperity), and 復興 (revival). The simplified 興 retains only the upper portion, leaving the act of lifting as a memory.

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Shuowen

兴. The oracle bone 兴 depicts two hands lifting or holding a vessel or object, symbolizing the action of raising or flourishing. The composition of hands with a central object conveys the idea of hoisting or celebrating, which later extended to mean 'to prosper' or 'to rise', and the written form uses two hands (often represented by the component 丬 or similar) and a central object to capture the notion of lifting, reflecting its ancient depiction of elevation.

Pinyin

xīng· HSK 1

兴xīng

Character evolution

Shuowen

Pinyin