Tangut character 𘝦

𘝦 can mean “action” or “deed”; a dictionary index also gives “skill,” and Buddhist contexts can favor “practice.” It belongs to the historical Tangut script. A font without Tangut characters may show it as a blank box.

Text symbol

What 𘝦 means

The closest English gloss depends on the source. Li Fanwen’s dictionary index gives “skill”; modern reconstructions use “action” or “deed,” while Buddhist material can support “practice.” These are overlapping translations for one character.

Tangut is a distinct historical script, inspired by Chinese writing. The Western Xia (Xixia) state developed it in 1036 to administer the state, translate Buddhist texts, and support the identity of the Tangut people. Manuscripts found at Khara-Khoto preserve translated works and probably date from the 12th or early 13th century. Tangut writing existed alongside scripts used by the Khitan and Jurchen peoples.

Who writes 𘝦

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Questions people ask

Why does 𘝦 show as a box on some devices?

Because that device's fonts have no glyph for it. The character is still correct and still copies correctly — the box is a missing glyph, not a broken character.