遍 (biàn) is a character that conveys the idea of completeness and thoroughness, often in relation to actions or experiences. Its structure provides a visual clue to its meaning.

Here’s a breakdown:

• 辶 (chuò): This component, resembling a walking leg, represents “movement” or “to go.” It suggests a journey or a process of traversing something.
• 扁 (biǎn): This component originally meant “flat” or “tablet.” In this context, it’s believed to represent a surface or an area that is covered or traversed.

Combining these elements, the original meaning of 遍 likely depicted the act of “going over an entire area” or “traversing a surface completely.” This emphasizes the thoroughness and completeness of the action.

Over time, the meaning of 遍 has evolved to encompass various aspects of completeness:

• Everywhere: This refers to covering all parts of a place or region.
• All over: This emphasizes the extent or coverage of something.
• Once through: This indicates completing an action from beginning to end.
• Measure word: 遍 is also used as a measure word for actions, indicating that an action has been completed from start to finish.

The character 遍 is used in various contexts related to completeness and thoroughness:

• 普遍 (pǔbiàn): Universal, widespread
• 遍布 (biànbù): To be spread all over
• 走遍 (zǒubiàn): To travel all over
• 看一遍 (kàn yī biàn): To read or watch something once through

The evolution of 遍 from a visual representation of traversing a surface to a character expressing completeness and thoroughness demonstrates the dynamic nature of the Chinese writing system. Its history reminds us of the human desire to experience and understand things fully and completely.