形

A phono-semantic compound consisting of:

彡 (삼, “bristle, hairlines”) - indicates appearance or decorative lines, hence contributing the meaning of outward form;

幵 (견, “flat, even”) - provides the sound.

Together, they convey the idea of visible outline and patterned form.

In early Chinese thought, 形 referred to the physical body or visible shape of a thing, especially in contrast to its inner substance or spirit. This opposition became fundamental in Chinese philosophy.

형태 (形態) — form; structure

형상 (形象) — image; figure

외형 (外形) — outward appearance

변형 (變形) — transformation

유형 (類型) — type; category

형식 (形式) — form, style

Beyond physical shape, 形 can refer to:

- institutional or procedural form

- stylistic pattern

- symbolic representation

- external expression of an internal state

Thus, 形 often contrasts with content, meaning, or spirit.

Related characters:

象 — image; symbol

状 — state; condition

態 — condition; posture

体 — body; substance

貌 — appearance

色 — form; color (Buddhist sense)

Classical thought frequently contrasts 形 with:

神 — spirit, vitality

氣 — vital energy

理 — principle, pattern

Daoism emphasizes the transience of form:

Forms arise and dissolve, while the Dao remains formless.

Attachment to 形 is seen as a limitation.

Book of Changes (易經)

「形而上者謂之道，形而下者謂之器」

“That which is above form is called the Way; that which is below form is called a vessel.”

Here, 形 marks the boundary between the visible/material and the metaphysical.

In Confucian writings, 形 often refers to outward conduct or appearance, which must reflect inner virtue.

「形正而影直」

“When the form is upright, the shadow is straight.”

This expresses the moral idea that inner correctness manifests outwardly.

In Buddhist texts, 形 commonly appears in discussions of impermanence:

「形色」 — form and color (the material world)

「色即是空」 — “Form itself is emptiness” (Heart Sutra)

Here, 形 is something to be understood, not clung to.