升

Primary meaning (classical) is "a doe" — an ancient unit of volume (grain measure), equal to one thousandth of the cubic metre.

Originally a pictographic / derived form closely related to 斗 (measuring ladle).

In early scripts, 升 was written as 斗 with an added dot, forming three dots, symbolizing a smaller standardized unit of volume.

Through the transition to clerical and regular script (楷書), the dots were stylized into the present form 升.

Thus, 升 originally denoted a specific measuring container, not an abstract action.

The verbal meaning “to rise” is a later semantic extension, based on metaphorical elevation rather than measurement.

Semantic development:

- concrete object — measuring ladle

- standardized unit — volume measurement

- abstract motion — rising, increasing (metaphorical extension)

- modern metric equivalence — liter (Chinese usage)

This makes 升 a good example of semantic expansion from tool → unit → abstract action.

1. Measurement (classical & technical)

升 was used as a unit of volume in the traditional East Asian system of measures (척관법).

1 升 — a unit used primarily for grains and liquids.

In modern Chinese usage, 升 is used to mean liter (L).

Examples:

일승 (一升) — one doe

곡식 한 승 — one measure of grain

2. Ascension / rising

The meaning “to rise; to ascend” developed later.

상승 (上升) — rise; increase

승진 (升進) — promotion

기온이 오르다 (溫度上升) — temperature rises

Regional character distinction:

Korea & Japan

升 — primarily used for the measurement unit

昇 — preferred for the meaning “to rise / ascend”

昇 = 日 (sun) + 升, emphasizing upward movement

China

昇 was simplified into 升, so 升 covers both meanings:

- measurement

- rising / ascending

In Modern Mandarin:

升 (shēng) = liter (L)

Used in everyday contexts:

一升水 — one liter of water

Because of this practical usage, 升 is classified as HSK Level 3, despite its ancient origins.

Related characters (measurement & ascension):

斗 — measuring ladle; peck

斛 — large volume measure

量 — measure; quantity

昇 — to rise (sun-based semantic emphasis)

上 — up; above

Among these, 升 uniquely bridges ancient metrology and modern daily measurement, while also functioning as a common verb in Chinese.