怠

By extension, it can also imply a disrespectful or arrogant attitude, especially when negligence arises from a lack of seriousness or reverence.

A phono-semantic compound:

心 — semantic component, indicating mental state or attitude

台 (태) — phonetic component, providing the sound "tae"

Core idea “a heart that does not exert itself.”

Semantic development:

- laziness / slackness — lack of effort

- negligence — failure in duty or responsibility

- disrespect / arrogance — when neglect reflects disregard for others

In classical texts, 怠 often appears in moral warnings against letting effort lapse.

怠惰 (태타) — laziness; indolence

怠慢 (태만) — negligence; dereliction of duty

懈怠 (해태) — slackness; relaxation of effort

怠業 (태업) — slowdown strike; work-to-rule

不敢怠慢 (불감태만) — “to dare not be negligent” (formal expression)

怠 emphasizes lack of effort or vigilance, rather than pride.

It frequently appears in administrative, legal, and moral contexts, warning against negligence.

In contrast:

慢 — arrogance, slowness from attitude

怠 — laziness, slackness from inaction

This distinction is important in classical and formal writing.

Classical citations:

「怠者，失其本也。」

“He who is negligent loses what is fundamental.”

「不可怠於小事。」

“One must not be negligent even in small matters.”

「敬則不怠。」— Confucian moral maxim

“Reverence prevents negligence.”