戊 (wù) - The fifth of the ten Heavenly Stems (天干) & ancient weapon

戊Tone 4

wù ｜ 5 strokes ｜ radical: 戈

万响

戊 · wù

The fifth of the ten Heavenly Stems (天干);

ancient weapon;

fifth in order;

military affairs.

The fifth of the ten Heavenly Stems (天干)ancient weaponfifth in order

Usage highlights

Heavenly Stem WuWuchen yearWuxu yearWuzi dayWuyin monthWutian

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • 甲— first Heavenly Stem
  • 癸— tenth Heavenly Stem

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The fifth Heavenly Stem (戊) is used in the traditional calendar.
  • In the sexagenary cycle, 戊 pairs with Earthly Branches like 戊子 (wùzǐ).
  • The character originally depicted a type of battle-axe (戊斧).

Collocations

  • Heavenly Stem Wu(天干戊)
  • Wuchen year(戊辰年)
  • Wuxu year(戊戌年)
  • Wuzi day(戊子日)
  • Wuyin month(戊寅月)
  • historical(Wutian (戊田) — Wu field)

Idioms

  • Wuxu Reform(戊戌变法)
  • Wuchen Treaty(戊辰条约)
  • Wuyin Incident(戊寅之变)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • 戊 is the fifth of the ten Heavenly Stems (天干) in the traditional Chinese calendar system, associated with the element Earth and the center direction.
  • Historically, the character depicted a type of axe or weapon, evolving to its current abstract form.
  • Used in historical naming of years and events, such as the Wuxu Reform of 1898.

FAQ