參 (cān)

to take part in, to intervene; ginseng

Etymology

Depicts three (三) stars (晶) shining (光). Originally represented the Three Stars constellation (參) in Chinese astronomy. The more common meaning "take part in" is a phonetic loan.

Shuowen Jiezi

《說文》:“曑,商星也。从晶,聲。參,曑或省。”

Original meaning

Three Stars constellation

Components