忿

Phono-semantic compound:

心 (마음 심) — semantic component, representing the heart and emotions.

分 (나눌 분) — phonetic component, providing sound and hinting at division.

The composition depicts a heart (心) divided (分) — symbolizing a heart torn apart by strong emotion, thus “anger” or “indignation.”

In this sense, 忿 expresses emotional division and the internal turmoil that arises when one’s sense of justice or pride is violated.

It is often used in classical literature to describe righteous indignation or moral anger rather than blind rage.

In modern usage, it appears in compounds such as:

忿怒 (분노) — anger, fury

忿忿 (분분) — indignant, resentful

In Confucian ethics, 忿 is recognized as one of the human passions (七情) — emotions that must be moderated by virtue (德).

Unrestrained 忿 leads to anger-driven wrongdoing, but properly directed it can embody moral courage against injustice.

In Buddhist teachings, 忿 is listed among the kleshas (afflictive emotions) that cloud the mind, to be overcome through mindfulness and compassion.

Thus, the character reflects a deep duality: it represents both the spark of justice and the danger of emotional imbalance.