巳
シ, み

sign of the snake or serpent, 9-11AM, sixth sign of Chinese zodiac

JLPT1 G13 S0 F2142

A depiction of a fetus hanging heavily in the womb (compare 孕 and 胎, as well as 煕). *Snake* (as the *sixth sign of the Chinese zodiac*) and *9 A.M. to 11 A.M.* are borrowed meanings. Distinguish 巳 from 己 and 已. Note that the equation (巳 = snake) in the Chinese zodiac has given rise to the idea that 巳 was originally a depiction of a snake. However, among the twelve signs, only in the case of 亥 (boar) does the original signification of the character overlap with the corresponding creature in the zodiac.

[Full Kanji Etymology List]