壬 (rén) — the ninth of the ten Heavenly Stems (天干)

Definition

壬 (rén) is the 9th of the ten Heavenly Stems (天干), used in the traditional Chinese calendrical system alongside the twelve Earthly Branches (地支) to mark years, days, and cycles.

noun
the ninth of the ten Heavenly Stems (天干)
Easily confused

Examples

  • 壬。
    rén Shì shí tiān gān zhōng de dì jiǔ gè.
    Ren is the ninth of the ten Heavenly Stems.
  • 壬。
    Gǔ dài yòng rén lái biāo jì nián fèn.
    In ancient times, Ren was used to mark years.
  • 壬。
    rén Hé dì zhī zhōng de zǐ xiāng pèi.
    Ren pairs with Zi among the Earthly Branches.

Origin

Pictograph
六书liùshū
象形xiàngxíng

A drawing of the thing itself, worn down over three thousand years into a few strokes.

The shape of 壬 is uncertain; it may have been drawn as a weaving tool, a carrying pole, or a double-bladed axe.

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