拙

A phono-semantic compound consisting of:

手 (hand) — semantic component, suggests manual activity or skill;

出 — phonetic component, supplying the sound (졸 / zhuō).

The original idea likely referred to clumsy or unskilled manual action — work that does not “come out” smoothly — which later broadened to general incompetence or awkwardness.

졸렬 (拙劣) — crude; poor in quality

졸작 (拙作) — one’s humble work (self-deprecating expression)

옹졸 (壅拙) — narrow-minded; petty

Though originally related to manual skill, the meaning broadened to general inadequacy or modest self-reference.

In literary tradition, authors often use 拙 to modestly refer to their own work.

The philosophical contrast between 巧 (skillful) and 拙 (clumsy) appears frequently in Daoist texts.

Related characters:

鈍 — dull; slow

笨 — stupid; clumsy

愚 — foolish

劣 — inferior

拙 emphasizes lack of skill rather than lack of intelligence.

It often carries a tone of modesty when used reflexively.

Classical citations:

《老子》 (Lao Tzu)

「大巧若拙」

“Great skill appears clumsy.”

This famous phrase illustrates the philosophical nuance: true mastery may look simple or unpolished.