被 (被 – bèi) is a fascinating character because its original meaning is quite different from its primary grammatical function today. It’s a great example of how Chinese characters can evolve and take on new roles in the language.

Here’s a breakdown of its history:

• Early form: The earliest forms of 被 depicted something being covered or enveloped, like a person wrapped in a blanket. This gives us a clue about its original meaning.
• Components:
  • 衤 (yī): This radical, a variant of 衣, represents “clothes” or “covering.” It sets the stage for the character’s original meaning related to being covered or enveloped.
  • 皮 (pí): This component means “skin” or “hide.” It reinforces the idea of a covering or outer layer.
• Shift in meaning: While 被 can still mean “quilt” or “blanket,” its primary role today is as a grammatical marker for the passive voice. This evolution is thought to have happened because the passive voice often implies a sense of being acted upon, similar to being covered or enveloped by something.

Here’s how 被 is used today:

• Passive voice marker: This is the most common usage. 被 indicates that the subject of the sentence is the recipient of the action, rather than the performer. For example, “The ball was kicked by the boy” would use 被 to emphasize that the ball received the action.

The evolution of 被 from a concrete image of covering to a grammatical function is a remarkable example of how language can change over time. It’s a reminder that even simple characters can have a rich history and diverse applications.