𣄰
ě

sing

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approved by Marcus Ngai · Sep 29, 2026, 11:29 AM · Reviewed by Marcus Ngai on Sep 29, 2026, 11:29 AM

NAE: Is the original character for 「歌」 𣄰 or 可?

Depicts a person with an open mouth (旡) carrying an axe (柯) while singing. The 口 component was added to emphasize the singing. Original form of 歌.

Components

旡
旡 Iconic component

Depicts a person singing.

柯
柯 SoundIconic component

Depicts an axe handle. Original form of 柯.

口
口 Iconic component

Sources

Character origin
季旭昇《說文新證》p.696