义 (Yì)

surname Yi; (Tw) Italy (abbr. for 義大利|义大利[Yi4 da4 li4])

Etymology

Adapted from the cursive form of the traditional character 義. Phonosemantic compound. 羊 represents the meaning and 我 represents the sound. In ancient China sheep (羊) were associated with goodness and beauty, which is why 羊 is a component in characters like 美 (beautiful), 善 (benevolent), and 義 (justice).

Components