怡

Denotes inner gladness, serenity, and harmonious emotion rather than outward excitement — a quiet joy or peaceful delight.

Phono-semantic compound consisting of:

心 (마음 심) — semantic component, signifying the mind or emotions.

台 (대 / 이) — phonetic component, providing the sound yí / i and suggesting elevation or harmony.

In Shuowen Jiezi (說文解字), Xu Shen defines:

「怡，和也。从心台聲。」

“怡 means harmony and gladness; composed of 心 (heart) and the sound 台.”

Thus, the original sense was “a heart in harmony,” expressing serenity and inner contentment rather than exuberant joy.

怡 (이) — joy, harmony, calm delight

愉怡 (유이) — pleasant and cheerful

怡然 (이연) — serene, contented

怡悅 (이열) — joyful, delighted

怡色 (이색) — cheerful countenance

怡神 (이신) — peace of mind; refreshed spirit

恬怡 (념이) — tranquil and joyful

安怡 (안이) — peaceful and happy

怡園 (이원) — “Garden of Serenity,” a frequent poetic name for pavilions or residences

In modern Chinese and Korean naming, 怡 is often used in female given names, symbolizing gentleness, calm joy, and harmonious temperament (예: 혜이(惠怡), 소이(昭怡), 선이(善怡)).

The Kangxi Dictionary (康熙字典) glosses:

「怡，悅也，樂也。」

“怡 means joy and pleasure.”

In classical texts, 怡 is associated with moral tranquility and emotional harmony rather than indulgent pleasure.

For example, in the Book of Odes (詩經·小雅·伐木):

「中心悅而誠怡。」

“The heart is gladdened and truly at ease.”

The Liji (禮記·樂記) further connects the character to balance and cultivation:

「樂以怡情。」

“Music gladdens and harmonizes the emotions.”

Hence, 怡 represents a refined and internalized joy — a heart made gentle and harmonious, expressing the classical ideal of emotional moderation.

In East Asian calligraphy and literature, 怡 is a favored character for plaques, gardens, and poetry titles, as in 怡園, 怡堂, or 怡齋, signifying serene joy and cultivated peace of heart.

Thus, 怡 conveys not the passion of pleasure but the quiet radiance of harmony — the tranquil joy that arises when the heart is at rest.