斯

• Proximate demonstrative: "this," "these," "such."
• Manner adverbial: "thus," "in this way."
• Verbal (archaic): "to lop off" or "prune."

• Functions as a subject, object, or modifier of a verb.
• May function as a focalizer to isolate or highlight the preceding term for emphasis.

[DISTINITIONS]

• Contrast with 此: While overlapping, 斯 frequently leans toward the formal or abstract (referring to concepts, statements, or states of affairs) rather than physical objects in the immediate environment.
• Distinguish between its use as a pronoun ("this thing") and its use as an adverb describing the mode of action ("thus").

• The verbal sense ("to lop off") is primarily found in very early texts.

• If translating the glyph as "this" feels redundant or clunky, consider whether it is acting as an emphatic marker.
• When the glyph appears in a predicate position acting upon vegetation or growths where a demonstrative makes no sense, test the archaic verbal meaning.