巳
Meanings
the Snake (sixth sign of the Chinese zodiac); the Serpent
Refers to the sixth animal of the Chinese zodiac, used in years, personality descriptions, and traditional contexts.
Next year is the Year of the Snake.
hour of the Snake (around 10am, 9-11am, or 10am-12 noon)
Obsolete temporal unit from the traditional Chinese time system. Used only in historical contexts or fixed expressions like 巳の刻.
See also: 巳の刻
The old document says they departed the temple at the hour of the Snake.
south-southeast
Obsolete directional term from the traditional Chinese zodiac compass. No longer used in modern navigation.
In old directional systems, 巳 indicated south-southeast.
fourth month of the lunar calendar
Obsolete month name from the lunar calendar. Only encountered in historical texts or traditional almanacs.
The fourth month of the lunar calendar was also called the month of the Snake.