出

Originally a pictograph:

Derived from the image of feet (止) stepping forward beyond a boundary line (an angular U-shape enclosure).

Early oracle bone forms show feet leaving a place, symbolizing emergence or departure.

The modern form resembles two 山 stacked, but this is coincidental; 出 is not related to 山 in origin.

Semantic range:

- to go out, exit (나가다);

- to come forth, emerge (나오다, 나타나다);

- to produce, generate, issue (생산하다, 내다);

- to publish, send out (출판, 제출);

- in theater, a scene or act (척, from 齣).

출입 (出入) — entrance and exit, to come and go

출발 (出發) — departure

출구 (出口) — exit

출생 (出生) — birth

출산 (出産) — childbirth

출현 (出現) — appearance, emergence

출판 (出版) — publishing

배출 (排出) — emission, discharge

In Daoist and Confucian texts, 出 often contrasts with 入 (entering, receiving), reflecting the natural rhythm of movement in and out, action and rest. The phrase 出入 can symbolize the ceaseless flow of life and the balance between external activity and internal cultivation.

In Buddhist writings, 出世 (chūshì, “to leave the world”) signifies renouncing worldly life to seek enlightenment.

岀, 㞮