Category: Chinese Grammar

降(jiàng)(xiáng)
Origin: 甲骨文中，“降”的左边是一座土山，右边是两只方向朝下的脚，表示“从高处向低处”走的意思，音（jiàng），后来引申为“投降”义（音xiáng）。On ancient oracle bone inscriptions, the left side of “降” is a hill and the right side is two feet facing downward, showing the meaning of going from high to low position (pronounced “jiàng”). Later, that extended to mean surrender (pronounced “xiáng”).

户 (hù)
Origin: 甲骨文的“户”字像一扇门的样子，本义是“一扇门”，也引申为“住户”等。On oracle bone inscriptions, “户” looks like a door. Its original meaning is “a door,” which extended to “household” and similar meanings.

共(gòng) Origin: 甲骨文的“共”字是两手捧着一个方形物表示“供奉“或“共同”的意思。“共”和“供”在古代是同一个字。On oracle bone inscriptions, “共” looked like two hands holding something square, meaning “to worship” or “common.” In ancient times, “共” and “供” were the same character.

反（fǎn）
Origin: 骨文中，“反”字像一只手正向着崖边攀登，是“攀”的本字，后来本义消失，意思变为“相反”、“反叛”。
On ancient oracle bone inscriptions, “反” looks like a hand climbing cliff, making it the original character of “攀” (to climb). Then, its original meaning disappeared, changing to “opposite” or “rebel.”