將

A phono-semantic compound:

𪧷 (semantic, representing “hands lifting a bed/table”) — suggests physical strength, bearing, commanding presence.

爿 (jang, “plank, bed board”) — phonetic element.

In oracle bone script, depicted a person lifting a heavy bed/board with both hands, symbolizing great strength.

From this, meanings developed:

“to lead, to command” (general, leader)

“soon, in the near future” (by extension: imminent events)

Closely connected with military and temporal meanings: the commander (將軍) and the future (將來).

將軍 (장군) — general

大將 (대장) — commander-in-chief

元帥 / 大元帥 (원수/대원수) — marshal, supreme commander

將來 (장래) — the future

即將 (즉장) — soon, about to

將就 (장취/장구, jiāngjiù) — to make do with, to compromise

將要 (장요, jiāngyào) — will, shall

In Classical Chinese, 將 often introduces a verb, meaning “to be about to.”

In East Asian cultures, 將 is an important character in military rank names, but also in proverbs:

名將 (명장) — “famous general”

將欲取之，必先與之 — “To seize something, first be willing to give.” (Daoist proverb)

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