末

• Spatial/Physical: The tip or extremity; the point furthest from the center or origin (e.g., the end of a branch).
• Temporal/Sequential: The end, conclusion, or final stage of a period or process.
• Evaluative: Trivial, insignificant, or peripheral.

Primarily functions as a noun or an attributive modifier; rarely carries independent verbal weight.

• 末 vs. 本: Often operates in binary opposition to 本 (root/origin). This contrast is frequently ontological (essential vs. peripheral) rather than merely chronological (beginning vs. end).
• 末 vs. 尾: While both translate as "end," 尾 typically refers to a tail, the rear, or a trailing edge; 末 emphasizes extremity or finality.

Fanqie reading: 莫撥; Tang-period reading: mɑt.

When encountering this glyph, check for a pairing with 本. If the context involves a value judgment, 末 likely denotes "the trivial" or "the superficial" rather than a specific point in time.