长cháng
Character evolution
长
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Simplified · Today
繁体
Traditional Chinese
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Shuowen
The character 长 depicts a person with flowing hair or a long beard hanging down, representing length and seniority. In oracle bone script, the form shows a figure with elongated hair or a carrying pole, symbolizing what extends over distance or time. The meaning evolved to encompass both spatial length and temporal duration, as well as the concept of seniority or leadership, as longer life historically signified wisdom and authority.
Pinyin
cháng· HSK 1