岸

Phono-semantic compound:

山 (mountain, hill) — semantic, indicating terrain or elevation.

干 (shield, phonetic element) — provides the sound an.

Additionally includes 厂 (cliff, slope radical) reinforcing the sense of a steep edge.

Originally denoted the raised banks of rivers or high ground near water, later extending to any elevated edge or border. Figuratively, it came to describe people’s upright bearing, dignity, or aloofness.

Semantic range:

- riverbank, waterside cliff;

- high ground, elevated slope;

- edge, border, brink;

- figurative: lofty, dignified, imposing.

강안 (江岸) — riverbank

해안 (海岸) — seashore, coast

안벽 (岸壁) — quay, dock wall

안선 (岸線) — shoreline, coast line

양안 (兩岸) — both riverbanks, both shores