The obscure origins of 必 818.2.96

Discover why 必 (bì), one of the most common Chinese characters, is also one of the most historically mysterious. This video examines the origin, evolution, and semantic development of 必 through oracle bone inscriptions, bronze inscriptions, Xu Shen's Shuowen Jiezi, phonetic loan theory, Chinese paleography, and Classical Chinese. Why does a character meaning "must" or "necessity" have such an uncertain origin, and what does this reveal about the Chinese writing system as a whole?

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