幸

Two main interpretations exist:

Punishment context (widely accepted):

Derived from 㚔 (an ancient form resembling shackles or a restraint for criminals).

In early society, suffering imprisonment or a fine was considered fortunate compared to harsher penalties (e.g., flogging, execution). Hence, 幸 took on the meaning “fortunate, spared from disaster.”

Alternative etymology (rare):

Based on an old variant combining 夭 (to die young) and 屰 (to oppose, escape).

This form suggested “to escape early death,” thus “to be spared” → “fortunate.”

Because of these origins, 幸 is sometimes regarded as a compound ideograph.

Semantic range:

- good fortune, happiness, blessing;

- to be spared, relief from calamity (classical nuance);

- kindness, favor (esp. in imperial edicts: “蒙幸” = to receive grace);

- by extension: luck, auspicious event.

다행 (多幸) — good fortune, relief, something turned out well

행복 (幸福) — happiness, blessedness

행운 (幸運) — good luck, fortunate destiny

불행 (不幸) — misfortune, unhappiness

대행 (大幸) — great fortune, a major blessing