察

察 is a phono-semantic compound:

宀 (집 면) — semantic element, representing a roof or enclosed space, suggesting internal observation or overseeing.

祭 (제사 제) — phonetic element, providing the sound chá and connoting careful attention (as in ritual examination).

Originally, the character depicted carefully watching over offerings inside a temple, symbolizing scrutiny and attentive examination.

Hence the core meaning “to observe closely.”

觀察 (관찰) — observation, to observe

警察 (경찰) — police (lit. “to warn and inspect”)

審察 (심찰) — close examination, careful investigation

察覺 (찰각) — to perceive, to become aware

視察 (시찰) — to inspect personally, official visit

察訪 (찰방) — inquiry, investigation

洞察 (통찰) — insight, deep understanding

In ancient China, priests and officials were expected to “察天命而行政” (“observe the Mandate of Heaven and govern accordingly”).

Thus, 察 came to symbolize moral vigilance and administrative supervision.

Confucian texts often use 察 to describe moral self-examination, as in:

「君子察己之心，而後正人之心。」

“The noble man examines his own heart before correcting others.”

In modern East Asian languages, 察 appears in compound forms denoting investigative authority (警察 police, 觀察 observation), and in philosophy (洞察 insight) to describe intellectual penetration and understanding.