頂

dǐng

top, peak; carry on head; very

Meaning

Noun: The absolute highest point, summit, or vertex of an object (e.g., a mountain or building).
Verb (Supportive): To carry an object on the head.
Verb (Confrontational): To push upward, butt with the head, or thrust against something from below.
Adverb: "Very" or "utmost," denoting the extreme limit of a quality.

Distinctions

Contrast with 上 (shàng): While 上 indicates general direction or position (up/above), 頂 specifies the precise highest point or terminal destination.

History and forms

Readings: Fanqie 都挺; Tang-period *děng.
Variants: Semantic variant U+29811; simplified variant 顶 (U+9876).

Graphical notes

Rooted in the anatomy of the head (頁), specifically the crown or vertex.

Translator notes

Verbal Ambiguity: When encountered as a verb, distinguish between supportive (carrying) and confrontational (butting/pushing) actions based on the object being acted upon.
Register Note: The use of 頂 as an intensifier ("very") often suggests later vernacular styles; exercise caution when applying this reading to early classical prose unless the context strongly supports a "maximum limit" sense.

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