昆
崑kūn
#1,757 most
frequent character
(also used for transliteration)
Character breakdown
Source: Make Me a Hanzi.
昆 first drew an insect's body and feet, giving the general word for insects. Later the shape changed, leaving 日 and 比 as empty parts. 'Descendant' was borrowed for its sound, and from there came 'elder brother.'
Drawn as: insect body; insect feet
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