掌

Phono-semantic compound composed of:

手 (손 수) — semantic component, representing “hand,” the organ of grasping or holding.

尙 (오히려 상) — phonetic component, giving the sound jang and connoting elevation, esteem, or upholding.

The combination depicts “a hand that holds or upholds something with respect”, leading to the sense of carrying, managing, or being responsible for.

掌心 (장심) — center of the palm

手掌 (수장) — palm of the hand

掌印 (장인) — handprint; seal impression

掌上 (장상) — in the palm; something treasured (“in one’s palm”)

掌管 (장관) — to manage; to oversee

掌權 (장권) — to hold power; to be in authority

校長 (교장) — school principal (lit. “head who manages the school”)

店掌 / 掌櫃 (점장 / 장구) — shopkeeper; one who manages a store

掌握 (장악) — to grasp; to seize control

掌理 (장리) — to be in charge of administration or affairs

掌聲 (장성) — applause (lit. “sound of the palms”)

In early Chinese pictographs, 掌 illustrated a hand with an emphasized central area — the palm.

Because the palm was seen as the locus of control and dexterity, the word naturally came to symbolize command and responsibility.

In ancient bureaucratic titles, 掌 denoted those entrusted with key duties — such as 掌事 (manager of affairs) or 掌書 (keeper of records) — those who “hold matters in their hands.”

In literature and philosophy, 掌 was often used metaphorically for care and control — to “hold something in one’s palm” symbolized complete mastery or intimate protection.

「天下在掌中。」

“The world lies in the palm of his hand.”

In Buddhist usage, the palm also represents mindfulness and compassion — an open hand of giving, as opposed to a clenched fist of grasping.

掌 symbolizes the hand of mastery and care.

It represents both control (authority, management) and gentle protection (nurturing, support).

The palm is where strength meets sensitivity — it grasps firmly, yet feels delicately.

Thus, 掌 came to embody the balance between power and responsibility.

「以掌持物，不可太緊，亦不可太鬆。」

“When holding something in the palm, grasp not too tightly, nor too loosely” — metaphor for balanced governance and leadership.

掌 teaches the art of holding with awareness.

To manage people, duties, or power, one must hold them as one holds water in the palm — firmly enough to contain, gently enough not to lose.

「心若平，則掌不顫；政若正，則民自安。」

“When the heart is steady, the hand does not tremble; when rule is upright, the people are at peace.”

Thus, 掌 stands as a character of responsibility, care, and balanced command — a reminder that what we hold in our hands reflects what we hold in our hearts.