📖 Origin
Space (宇) combines roof (宀) with 于. Space under a roof became "all space" — the 宇 in 宇宙 (universe). 宇 = space, 宙 = time. Together: the universe.
🔍 Structure
宀(roof) + 于(particle) = Space under a roof = Cosmic space
The radical 宀 means roof. Characters with it: 家(home), 室(room), 宮(palace), 安(peace), 宝(treasure) — all related to "under a roof."
🏛 宇 in Philosophy
Zhuangzi
"The six directions (up, down, four sides) are 宇, past and present are 宙." Universe (宇宙) = space-time. Defined 2,300 years ago.
📝 Idioms with 宇 (2)
The universe is vast and wild. Second phrase of Thousand Character Classic.
Noble bearing and grand demeanor. Describes someone dignified and impressive.
💬 Quotes
Pascal
"The eternal silence of these infinite spaces frightens me." Human humility before the vastness of space.
Carl Sagan
"In the vastness of space, we are all on the same pale blue dot."
📚 宇 in Daily Life
Universe. Space and time combined.
Astronaut. One who flies through space.
One's bearing and dignity.
Worldview. Perspective on the universe.
🎭 宇 in K-Culture
K-POP
K-POP group "WJSN (Cosmic Girls)" — 宇宙 in the name, meaning girls with infinite possibilities.
🌍 Universe Worldwide
Science
Zhuangzi's "宇=space, 宙=time" definition from 2,300 years ago remarkably matches Einstein's spacetime concept.
🤖 What 宇 Teaches
"AI processes data as vast as the universe. But finding meaning in that ocean is humanity's role. Like exploring space (宇), in the AI era we must explore the "universe of meaning" — seeking wisdom, not just information."
📜 Poems with 宇 (1)
Thousand Character Classic, Line 2
Zhou Xingsi (470-521) — Liang Dynasty
宇宙洪荒 日月盈昃 辰宿列張
Yu zhou hong huang Ri yue ying ze Chen su lie zhang
The universe is vast and wild Sun and moon wax and wane Stars are spread across the sky
Second phrase of the Thousand Character Classic. While "天地玄黃" described heaven and earth's colors, this describes the universe's movement — sun, moon, and stars. Children 1,500 years ago felt the vastness of the cosmos through these four characters.
❓ Quiz
1. In 宇宙, what does 宇 mean?
2. Who defined "宇=space, 宙=time"?
