寬

Phono-semantic compound:

宀 (roof, house) — semantic, suggesting shelter, covering, or space.

萈 (환, phonetic element, depicting a ram’s horns) — phonetic component, also evoking abundance and breadth.

The character originally conveyed the idea of a house or space that is broad and accommodating, extending metaphorically to generosity and tolerance in human conduct.

Semantic range:

- wide, broad, spacious (in space or scope);

- lenient, tolerant, magnanimous;

- to extend, to relax, to ease;

- by extension, “ample” or “comfortable” in time, space, or situation.

관대 (寬大) — generosity, magnanimity

관용 (寬容) — tolerance, forbearance

관민 (寬敏) — magnanimous and quick-witted

관세 (寬世) — lenient towards the world, merciful

관활 (寬闊) — broad, spacious

In Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japanese kanji, Korean hanja and Vietnamese Nôm, the component above 萈 is written with ⻀ (ram's horn component), which is the orthodox form found in the Kangxi dictionary.

In mainland China (based on Xin Zixing, 新字形), the component above 萈 is written with 艹 (grass radical).