明 (Míng)

Ming Dynasty (1368–1644); surname Ming; Ming (c. 2000 BC), fourth of t

Etymology

The character was originally depicted moonlight (月) shining through a window (囧). The 囧 component was later reanalyzed as 日 (sun).

Shuowen Jiezi

《說文》:“朙,照也。从月,从囧。明,古文朙,从日。”

Components