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节jié

Character evolution

节

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Simplified · Today

Shuowen

The character 节 (jié) combines the bamboo radical (竹) with a component representing a joint or knot, picturing the node where bamboo segments connect. Its original meaning is the joint or segment of a plant stalk, which extended to signify seasonal festivals or critical points in time, and later the idea of restraint or moderation. The structure visually captures the physical node of bamboo, explaining why the character carries meanings related to both natural joints and the节制 (restraint) of human behavior.

Pinyin

jié· HSK 2