The story of 威

power, might

威 is composed of 戌 (11th earthly branch) and 女 (woman). 戌 is the picture of a spear like weapon, while 女 is the picture of a woman, so 威 depicts a woman being threatened by a weapon. Women are not as physically strong as men and are considered weak, so 威 has the meaning of threatening someone weak.

Vocabulary of 威

  • 威儀 (majestic presence)
  • 威脅 (threaten)
  • 威信 (prestige)

Classification

Related Characters: