平

Originally a pictograph/ideograph:

Depicts a line balanced evenly, symbolizing “levelness, equality.”

In early bronze inscriptions, the form resembled a flat surface with something pressed evenly upon it.

From the idea of flatness came meanings of fairness, balance, and peace.

Semantic range:

- flat, level, smooth;

- balanced, fair, equal, impartial;

- peaceful, calm, at ease;

- ordinary, common, average.

평지 (平地) — flat land, plain

평화 (平和) — peace

평등 (平等) — equality

평가 (評價 / 評平) — evaluation, assessment

평균 (平均) — average

평상 (平常) — usual, ordinary, everyday

평정 (平靜) — calmness, composure