今后

The Chinese word 今后 (jīnhòu) is composed of two characters: 今 (jīn) and 后 (hòu). 今 means "now" or "the present", while 后 means "after" or "later". Together, 今后 means "from now on" or "in the future".The character 今 is derived from the oracle bone script, which is the earliest known form of Chinese writing. In the oracle bone script, 今 is depicted as a person standing with their arms outstretched. This is thought to represent the idea of "now" or "the present moment".The character 后 is also derived from the oracle bone script. In the oracle bone script, 后 is depicted as a person sitting on a throne. This is thought to represent the idea of "after" or "later".The combination of 今 and 后 to form 今后 is first attested in the Warring States period (475-221 BC). This word was originally used to refer to the future in a general sense. However, over time, it came to be used more specifically to refer to the future after a specific point in time.Today, 今后 is one of the most common words used to express the idea of "from now on" or "in the future". It is used in both spoken and written Chinese.