久

A pictographic or ideographic character.

The original form depicts a person lying sideways, representing a prolonged or lingering state. This imagery led to the meaning long-lasting or enduring over time.

Originally the character also referred to moxibustion (뜸). Later, the character 灸 (久 + 火) was created to specifically represent moxibustion.
Semantic development: - prolonged duration; - long-lasting or permanent; - waiting for a long time.

영구 (永久) — eternal; permanent

구속 (久速) — long and short (time)

구래 (久來) — for a long time

영구히 남다 — to remain permanently

Related characters: 永 — eternal

長 — long

遠 — distant

灸 — moxibustion (original meaning developed separately)