乙

• Chronological/Technical: The second of the Ten Heavenly Stems (天干), used as a coordinate in the sexagenary cycle for dates, astrology, and divination.
• Ordinal/Placeholder: Functions as "the second" or "item B." In administrative or contractual contexts, it serves as a generic placeholder for a second party or respondent.

• Noun/Classifier: Primarily used as a label, name, or sequence marker.
• Predicate Use: When appearing in a predicate position, it is typically an elliptical shorthand (e.g., "[This item is] the second") rather than a functional verb.

The glyph's position as the second stem represents the stage where a sprout has broken the surface but not yet straightened. In highly specialized or esoteric texts, it may carry this association with early growth or yielding.

Derived from the image of a budding plant or a curving line.

Determine function by context:

• Chronology: If part of a date or astrological marker, treat as a Heavenly Stem.
• Enumeration: If appearing in a list or pairing (often following 甲), treat as an ordinal or placeholder.
• Description: In texts discussing growth, shapes, or early development, be alert to the conceptual reference to sprouting or bending.