忍
- to endure, to bear, to suffer;
Etymology
Phono-semantic compound:
心 (heart, mind) – semantic, representing feelings and inner strength;
刃 (blade, edge of a knife) – phonetic element; also interpreted semantically as “sharpness, cutting.”
Originally conveyed the idea of a heart enduring the pain of a blade, hence “to bear hardship,” “to endure.”
Later expanded to signify patience, tolerance, and in opposite nuance, cruelty (as in 殘忍 “cruel”).
Semantic range:
- endurance, forbearance, patience;
- self-control, restraint;
- to suppress emotions or impulses;
- in compounds: cruelty, mercilessness (e.g., 殘忍);
- figurative: perseverance in hardship.
Usage in Korean
인내 (忍耐) – patience, endurance
잔인 (殘忍) – cruelty, brutality
참을성 (忍性) – patience, tolerance
불가불인 (不可不忍) – “cannot but endure,” inevitable endurance
인욕 (忍辱) – enduring insult or humiliation (Buddhist term)