女巫 (nǚwū), meaning “witch” in Chinese, is a term that combines the concept of a woman with mysterious or supernatural powers.

Here’s a breakdown of its components:

• 女 (nǚ): This component, as we’ve seen many times before, represents “woman” or “female.” It’s a common radical in characters related to women or feminine roles.
• 巫 (wū): This component means “shaman” or “sorcerer.” It originally depicted a person performing a ritual or communicating with spirits, symbolizing someone with supernatural powers or knowledge.

Combining these elements, 女巫 literally means “female shaman” or “woman sorcerer.” This accurately captures the concept of a witch, typically depicted as a woman with magical abilities and a connection to the supernatural.

The term 女巫 is used in various contexts related to magic, witchcraft, and folklore:

• 巫婆 (wūpó): Another term for “witch,” often with a more negative connotation.
• 魔法 (mófǎ): Magic, sorcery
• 巫术 (wūshù): Witchcraft, sorcery

By understanding the original meaning of 女巫, we can appreciate its connection to ancient beliefs about magic and the supernatural. It reflects the historical association of women with mystical powers and their role in folklore and mythology.