若 (rě)

used in 般若[bo1 re3]; used in 蘭若|兰若[lan2 re3]

Etymology

Pictograph of a kneeling person smoothing out their unkempt hair with their hands. Based on the original meaning "conform, obey". The 口 (mouth) component was added later when the character became more abstract.

Shuowen Jiezi

《說文》:“若,擇菜也。从艸、右。右,手也。一曰杜若,香艸。”

Original meaning

conform, obey

Components