宴

A phono-semantic compound:

宀 (roof; house) — semantic component, indicating an indoor space, residence, or hall

妟 (안, “peaceful; at ease”) — phonetic component, supplying the sound and also conveying the idea of comfort and calm

Together, these elements depict people gathered inside a house in a relaxed and peaceful atmosphere, which naturally developed into the meaning banquet or feast.

연회 (宴會) — banquet; formal feast

연석 (宴席) — banquet table; feast setting

연음 (宴飮) — feasting and drinking

향연 (饗宴) — grand feast; lavish banquet

연락 (宴樂) — banquet entertainment; festive music

Classical / ceremonial usage:

연빈 (宴賓) — to host guests at a banquet

국연 (國宴) — state banquet

宴 traditionally implies orderly, refined celebration, often hosted by rulers, officials, or elites. Unlike casual drinking or revelry, 宴 emphasizes hospitality, decorum, and ritualized enjoyment.

This distinguishes it from related characters such as:

飲 — to drink (action-focused)

樂 — music; pleasure

醉 — intoxication (loss of control)

宴 remains associated with controlled pleasure within social norms.

Classical citations:

《史記》 (Records of the Grand Historian)

「設宴以待賓」

“A banquet was prepared to receive the guests.”

《漢書》 (Book of Han)

「群臣入宴」

“The assembled officials entered the banquet.”

醼 (U+91BC) — variant character emphasizing the drinking aspect (酒/酉 radical). Seen mainly in classical texts and historical sources