寐

A phono-semantic compound composed of:

宀 — semantic component meaning “house” or “roof,” suggesting rest inside a dwelling;

爿 — semantic component related to a bed or wooden board;

未 — phonetic component indicating the sound (매 / mèi).

Together these components convey the idea of resting or sleeping indoors.

Semantic development:

- to lie down and sleep;

- to be asleep;

- sleep associated with dreams.

The meaning remained closely tied to sleeping or resting.

寐 appears mainly in classical expressions.

불매불식 (不寐不食) — unable to sleep or eat because of worry

매중 (寐中) — in one’s sleep (rare)

寐 appears mainly in classical literature and idioms.

The phrase 夢寐以求 (“to seek even in one’s dreams”) is widely used in modern Chinese to describe something greatly desired.

Related characters:

眠 — sleep

睡 — to sleep deeply

夢 — dream