The core meaning of the kanji 写 is "to copy," "to transcribe," or "to reflect." It relates to the act of reproducing something, whether visually, in writing, or through other means. This can involve replicating an image, recording information, or mirroring an object's appearance.

・On-yomi (音読み): シャ (sha) ・Kun-yomi (訓読み): うつ.す (utsu.su), うつ.る (utsu.ru)

⚫︎写真 (shashin) Translation: photograph ⚫︎写す (utsusu) Translation: to copy, to transcribe ⚫︎描写 (byousha) Translation: description, depiction

The kanji 写 is a phono-semantic compound (形声文字, けいせいもじ). The semantic component is a component representing the shape of a person. The phonetic component is a simplified form of 与 which provides the sound. Originally, 写 depicted a person (representing action) in the act of copying or mimicking something, which conveys the original meaning of "to copy" or "to transcribe."