壇

Formed as a phono-semantic compound:

土 (earth, soil) provides the semantic element, indicating an earthen mound or raised platform.

亶 (truly, sincerely) provides the phonetic element.

The character conveys the idea of a raised earthen structure built with solemnity, most often for religious rites or sacrifices.

Semantic range:

- altar, sacrificial platform (제단);

- raised platform, stage (단상);

- by extension, a place of assembly, forum, or ceremonial site.

제단 (祭壇) — altar

연단 (演壇) — platform, podium

단상 (壇上) — on the platform/stage

강단 (講壇) — lecture platform; also “academic world” in extended sense

주석단 (主席壇) — chairman’s platform