How to write 掾

掾 [yuàn] 1. Originally means "assistant"; later used as a general term for subordinate officials or members of government offices. 原为佐助的意思，后为副官佐或官署属员的通称。 2. Examples: - 掾史 (yuàn shǐ): a rank or term referring to a subordinate official. - 掾吏 (yuàn lì): a general term for assistant officials in government. - 掾属 (yuàn shǔ): subordinate officials or assistants in government. - 掾佐 (yuàn zuǒ): officials who assist. 3. Historical Context: - In the Han Book, it is noted that "正曰掾，副曰属", meaning "The official title is '掾', and the subordinate is '属'." - Another reference from Han Book states "方进为相，与御史大夫孔光共遣掾行视", which indicates the role of an assistant in carrying out official duties. 4. Etymology: - The character is formed phonetically with the radical for "hand" and the sound component "彖 (tuàn)". 5. Also acts as a verb meaning "to assist". 佐助 (assist). 6. Reference: - From "说文": "掾，缘也。", meaning "掾 refers to assistance." This shows that the character signifies the idea of aiding, hence it combines "hand" with the concept of assistance.