| 明 |
Míng chū | the early Ming (i.e. from second half of 14th century) |
| 明 |
Míng | Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) / surname Ming / Ming (c. 2000 BC), fourth of the legendary Flame Emperors, 炎帝 descended from Shennong 神农 Farmer God |
| 明 |
míng | bright / opposite: dark 暗 / (of meaning) clear / to understand / next / public or open / wise / generic term for a sacrifice to the gods |
| 初 |
chū | at first / (at the) beginning / first / junior / basic |