壯

Phono-semantic compound composed of:

士 (선비 사) — semantic component, indicating a person or man of standing, symbolizing firmness and strength.

爿 (나뭇조각 장) — phonetic component, giving the sound jang and associated with the meaning “upright,” “sturdy,” or “solid.”

Together, 壯 portrays “a strong man standing upright like a solid beam,” thus representing strength, courage, and vitality.

壯大 (장대) — grand; magnificent; majestic

壯麗 (장려) — splendid; beautiful and grand

壯觀 (장관) — grand spectacle; majestic sight

壯年 (장년) — prime of life; adulthood

壯士 (장사) — brave man; warrior

壯志 (장지) — lofty ambition; noble aspiration

壯健 (장건) — strong and healthy

壯氣 (장기) — heroic spirit; energy of greatness

壯行 (장행) — farewell to someone departing bravely

壯烈 (장렬) — heroic and tragic; noble in sacrifice

In ancient China, 壯 described not only physical strength but also the prime of life and moral vigor.

The Book of Odes (詩經) often used 壯 to praise warriors and noble men:

「其德之壯，萬人所仰。」

“His virtue is strong; ten thousand look up to him.”

In Confucian literature, 壯 represented the balance between strength and righteousness — the moral courage to act justly.

In Daoist texts, it symbolized vital energy (氣, qi) — the inner strength that animates both body and spirit.

Later, 壯 came to describe not only men but also buildings, landscapes, and heroic deeds, emphasizing grandeur and vitality.

For instance, 壯觀 (majestic view) or 壯麗 (splendid beauty) extend its meaning to aesthetics and nature.

壯 symbolizes the fullness of life-force — power rooted in uprightness.

The element 士 (“man of virtue”) grounds the character in moral dignity, while 爿 suggests stability and endurance.

It represents the ideal strength of the noble person (君子) — not brute power, but steadfastness, courage, and inner vitality.

「壯者，不在力，而在志。」

“True strength lies not in muscle, but in resolve.”

壯 teaches that strength and grandeur are most admirable when guided by virtue and purpose.

Physical vigor fades, but moral courage endures.

「以壯心行道，雖衰不屈。」

“With a strong heart walk the Way — even in age, remain unbent.”

Thus, 壯 stands as a character of vitality, bravery, and noble spirit — the power to act with integrity, the grandeur of a life lived upright and full of purpose.