MA = 𒈠 – Meaning

Visual analysis: Time flows from right to left and is depicted continuously. The sign consists of a lower horizontal line, which represents the ground, and two component signs, each consisting of a horizontal and a vertical stroke.

The vertical stroke stands for an object that carries another object, which is represented by the horizontal stroke. The vertical stroke thus stands for a container or a carrier, while the horizontal stroke symbolizes its cargo. The cargo is tracked over time, which is why it is depicted as a horizontal stroke.

The loaded container is depicted twice – once in the past and once in the future. Between them there is a gap, which stands for the point in time at which the cargo of the container is exchanged.

Derived meaning: The derived meaning of the sign is: "container that is reloaded," or more generally: "object whose contents change."

Usage: There are different types of usage:

• Since ships are regularly reloaded, the main meaning of the sign 𒈠 is "ship" or "boat."
• Given the appropriate occasion, any object whose contents change can be designated with the sign 𒈠. The meaning is then "object whose contents change."

Conventional interpretation: boat, ship, land, state