哲

Formed as a phono-semantic compound:

口 (mouth, speech) provides the semantic component — relating to speaking or expression;

折 (to break, to bend; phonetic) provides the sound.

Thus, 哲 originally conveyed the sense of “wise or discerning speech.” The character came to mean “clear-sighted, sagacious, enlightened,” particularly in matters of moral or philosophical judgment.

Semantic range:

- bright, clear (밝다);

- wise, sagacious, intelligent (슬기롭다);

- enlightened, possessing insight.

철학 (哲學) — philosophy

현철 (賢哲) — virtuous and wise person

철인 (哲人) — philosopher, sage

철리 (哲理) — profound truth, philosophy

The character 哲 is central in East Asian intellectual vocabulary. It forms the foundation of the modern Korean and Japanese word “philosophy” (哲學), literally “study of wisdom.”

In Confucian and Daoist contexts, 哲 denotes the clarity and discernment needed to live in harmony with 道 (the Way) and to uphold moral order. A 哲人 (wise person) was revered as one who could see through worldly confusion to discern higher principles — a role akin to the philosopher or sage in Western tradition.