Origin: Originally, ancient cups were carved out of wood, hence the combination of the wood radical (木) and the sound component (不). Over time, cups were made of bronze, ceramic, and glass, but the wooden root remained in the character.

Semantic Evolution: From a physical wooden drinking vessel, it expanded to mean any container used for holding liquids, then extended metaphorically to sports trophies (like cups), and finally became a grammatical measure word for drinks.

• Early Chinese drinking vessels varied greatly by dynasty, moving from carved lacquered wood to exquisite jade and porcelain.