右

yòu

right; west; assist, support, or protect

Meaning

Right (directional); West (cardinal, based on a south-facing orientation). In non-spatial contexts—particularly ritual, prayer, or governance—it can mean to assist, support, or provide divine protection.

History and forms

In early texts, used interchangeably with 佑.

Translator notes

When appearing in administrative titles, the term designates a specific rank or division of authority rather than a physical location. Note that relative seniority between "Left" and "Right" varies by dynasty; do not assume one is primary without verifying the protocol of the specific era.

Decontextualized translator aid. This page describes plausible lexical range; it does not choose what the glyph means in a particular passage.