Depicts three leaves on branches of a tree. Remnant from the top part of 枼. Based on the original meaning "leaves", now written as 葉. The meaning later shifted to "generation" and "world".
Character Evolution
BronzeEarly Western Zhou~1000 BCBronzeEarly Western Zhou~1000 BCBronzeEarly Western Zhou~1000 BCBronzeMid Western Zhou~900 BCBronzeMid Western Zhou~900 BCBronzeMid Western Zhou~900 BCBronzeLate Western Zhou~800 BCBronzeSpring and Autumn771-476 BCBronzeSpring and Autumn771-476 BCBronzeEarly Spring and Autumn~700 BCBronzeMid Warring States~300 BCBronzeMid Warring States~300 BCBronzeLate Warring States~250 BCSealMid Western Zhou~900 BCSealWarring States (Chu)475-221 BCSealWestern Han202 BC-9 ADSealShuowen~100 ADClericalWestern Han202 BC-9 ADClericalWestern Han202 BC-9 ADClericalEastern Han25-220 ADClericalEastern Han25-220 ADClericalEastern Han25-220 ADRegularModern
