巧

A phono-semantic compound:

工 (work; craftsman) — semantic component, indicates manual work, craftsmanship, or technical skill

丂 — phonetic component, provides pronunciation and contributes to the idea of clever manipulation

Originally, 巧 referred to skillful handiwork, especially craftsmanship requiring precision and ingenuity.

The character’s meanings expanded from physical skill to abstract cleverness:

- skillful workmanship — technical dexterity

- ingenious design — clever construction or arrangement

- subtle cleverness — ingenuity, sometimes bordering on craftiness

- coincidental cleverness — “by chance,” “happening to” (modern Chinese usage)

工巧 (공교) — skillful; ingeniously made

巧妙 (교묘) — ingenious; subtle and clever

技巧 (기교) — technique; skill