将 calligraphy

将

will; shall; to use; to take; to checkmate; just a short while ago; (introduces object of main verb, used in the same way as 把[ba3]); (bound form) a general; (literary) to command; to lead; (Chinese chess) general (on the black side, equivalent to a king in Western chess); to desire; to invite; to request

Closest English meanings

will·shall·general·lead·about to

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The Calligrapher — Huáng Tíngjiān 黄庭坚

Song master of elongated, radical running and cursive script.

Song calligrapher (1045–1105), master of running script/cursive script — Song master of long, sweeping, deliberately stretched running strokes. Song dynasty

Cultural Story

将 shows a hand with a vessel, originally meaning to hold or lead. It became the word for a 将军 (general) who led troops, and for the future — 将来 (what is to come). A soldier would 将就 (make do) in the field, and armies of 将士 (officers and men) marched under seasoned 将领 (commanders).

Common words & phrases

  • 将来 future · in the future · time to come
  • 将军 general · commander · high-ranking officer
  • 将就 make do · put up with · manage
  • 即将 soon · about to · on the point of
  • 将士 officers and men · soldiers · officers and troops
  • 将领 general · commander · military leader

Read the story behind the character

In the modern world

Your 将军 (general, commander) in a chess app moves first; 将来 (in the future) you hope to retire early. The train is 即将 (about to) leave, so 将就 (make do) with a standing spot. 将士 (officers and men) in films inspire, and a good 将领 (military leader) earns loyalty. The word bends from battle to patience.

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Purchase delivers the original SVG of this glyph, brushed by Huáng Tíngjiān 黄庭坚, ready to place on skin, paper, or screen.

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