厚

Formed as a phono-semantic compound:

厂 (기슭 한, cliff) provides the semantic element, suggesting something solid or massive;

㫗 (phonetic element, pronounced 후) supplies the sound.

Originally indicated physical thickness or massiveness, later extended to describe depth of feeling or generosity.

Semantic range:

- thick, substantial (두껍다, 두텁다);

- deep, profound (깊다);

- generous, magnanimous, kind (인정이 두텁다, 후하다);

- strong, solid (견고하다).

In Confucian philosophy, 厚德 (후덕, “deep virtue”) is a core moral ideal. It expresses the idea that a person should possess not only outward righteousness but also an inner depth of benevolence and kindness that sustains society.

The phrase 厚德載物 (“great virtue carries all things”) from the Book of Changes (易經) emphasizes that profound virtue forms the foundation of harmonious human life and the natural order.

垕 (土 + 后 vertically combined) was used historically, especially in Joseon-era writings.

Not to be confused with 垢 (때 구), where 土 and 后 are written side by side.