仲

A phono-semantic compound:

人 (person) — semantic component, indicates a human role or status

中 (중, middle) — phonetic component, provides both sound and meaning

The original sense is “a person who stands in the middle”, which naturally developed into:

- the second-born (between elder and younger)

- a mediator or intermediate figure

- something occupying a middle rank

중재 (仲裁) — mediation; arbitration

중보 (仲保) — intermediary guarantee; mediation

백중 (伯仲) — equal in rank or ability

중형 (仲兄) — second elder brother

중매 (仲媒) — matchmaker (mediator of marriage)

The meaning “second” comes from birth order, especially:

伯 (eldest)

仲 (second)

叔 (third)

季 (youngest)

From “middle person,” the character naturally expanded into:

- mediator

- arbitrator

- interpersonal relationship

Related characters:

中 — middle

伯 — eldest

叔 — third

季 — youngest

裁 — judge; decide

仲 often carries a neutral or stabilizing nuance, unlike characters denoting authority or dominance.

In names, it frequently implies balance, fairness, or moderation.

The compound 伯仲 is especially important in classical literature, meaning “evenly matched.”

Musical note:

In traditional East Asian pitch nomenclature, 仲 is used as a musical pitch name, corresponding to D♭ (C♯).

This reflects the character’s core idea of “the middle position.”