史 (Shǐ)

surname Shi

Etymology

The characters 史 (history), 吏 (government official), 使 (cause; use; instruct), and 事 (matter; work; affair) are all etymologically related and all derive from the same ancient character, depicting a hand (又) holding a container for writing utensils.

Shuowen Jiezi

《說文》:“史,記事者也。从又持中;中,正也。”

Components