如 (rú)

as; as if; such as

Etymology

Depicts a woman (女) obeying spoken (口) orders. Based on the original meaning "obey". The meaning later shifted to "be similar" and "like". 女 also serves as a sound component.

Shuowen Jiezi

《說文》:“如,从隨也。从女,从口。”

Original meaning

obey

Components