萬

• Literal: The numeral 10,000.
• Hyperbolic/Indefinite: "Innumerable," "myriad," or a great many.
• Universal/Philosophical: "All" or "the totality." In the compound 萬物 (wànwù), it refers to the sum total of creation or the manifest world.
• Temporal: Denotes permanence, eternity, or immortality when applied to time (e.g., 萬年, 萬歲).

• Modifier: Primarily functions as a quantifier preceding a noun.
• Nominalization: Rarely stands alone as a noun, appearing instead within compound concepts.

• Variants: The form U+534D is functionally identical to 萬. The form 万 is a modern simplification not typically found in ancient source texts.

// Readings: Fanqie 無販; Tang-period reading //miæ̀n.

The glyph operates on a spectrum from arithmetic precision to cosmic totality. The translator must determine based on context whether the usage implies an actual tally or serves as an intensifier for a large, indefinite quantity or universal whole.