数据

The Chinese word 数据 (shùjù) for "data" is a compound of two characters: 数 (shù), meaning "number," and 据 (jù), meaning "evidence" or "basis." Together, these characters convey the idea of "numerical information that serves as evidence or a basis for something."The character 数 (shù) has a long history in Chinese, dating back to the oracle bone script of the Shang dynasty (c. 1600-1046 BCE). In its earliest form, the character depicted a tally stick, which was used for counting. Over time, the character evolved to take on its current form, which is composed of two parts: the radical 丨 (gǔn), which represents a single vertical line, and the phonetic component 戍 (shù), which is related to the idea of "guarding" or "protecting."The character 据 (jù) also has a long history in Chinese, dating back to the oracle bone script of the Shang dynasty. In its earliest form, the character depicted a person kneeling on the ground with their hands raised in supplication. Over time, the character evolved to take on its current form, which is composed of two parts: the radical 亻 (rén), which represents a person, and the phonetic component 俱 (jù), which is related to the idea of "together" or "all."When combined, the characters 数 (shù) and 据 (jù) form the word 数据 (shùjù), which has the meaning of "data." This word is used in a variety of contexts in Chinese, including in the fields of science, technology, and business.