“吉”这个词语源于我们的占卜文化，有非常久远的历史，甲骨文中商王占卜就常有“吉”“大吉”之语。
甲骨文“吉”有两种字形。
常见的一种字形由“
”和“口”组成。上部是玉戈的象形，玉戈为礼仪用器，质地坚洁美好；玉为祥瑞之物，故“吉”有祥瑞之意。“口”表示强调字形中事物的特征。
Originating from ancient Chinese divination culture, the Chinese character “吉” has a long history. According to the oracle bone inscriptions, the Shang kings frequently used terms such as “吉” and “大吉” during their divinatory practices.
There are two distinct forms of the character “吉” in oracle bone script.
One of the common forms consists of two components: “
” and “口”. The upper part is a pictograph of Ge, a ceremonial jade dagger-axe (玉戈) valued for its durability, purity, and aesthetic qualities；Jade, regarded as an auspicious material in Chinese culture, reinforces the meaning of “吉” as a symbol of good fortune. The lower component “口” highlights the specific characteristics of the depicted object.