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 — Wáng Duó 王铎

Late-Ming cursive master of monumental, turbulent brushwork.

明末清初 calligrapher (1592–1652), master of cursive script/running script — late-Ming master of wet-ink, falling-and-rising running cursive. late Ming–early Qing

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.

Own this character

Purchase delivers the original SVG of this glyph, brushed by Wáng Duó 王铎, ready to place on skin, paper, or screen.

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