審

Phono-semantic compound:

宀 (roof, house) — semantic, suggesting something conducted indoors, under shelter, often linked to governance or judgment.

番 (번, to turn, order, repeat) — phonetic element, also hinting at methodical order.

The character conveys the idea of careful inspection under authority or within a structured setting, extending from “to examine closely” to “careful, detailed.”

Semantic range:

- to examine, to scrutinize, to investigate;

- to judge, to assess, to test;

- careful, cautious, attentive;

- by extension: official judicial examination, trial, or review.

심사 (審査) — examination, screening

심문 (審問) — interrogation, questioning

심의 (審議) — deliberation, careful discussion

심판 (審判) — judgment, trial, referee’s decision

심찰 (審察) — careful observation, close inspection