摩

A phono-semantic compound combining:

麻 (삼 마) — phonetic element, giving the sound má / ma.

手 (손 수) — semantic component, representing the hand’s motion of rubbing or massaging.

Thus, the composition literally means “hand rubbing hemp fibers,” reflecting the traditional act of softening hemp stalks by friction before weaving.

This practical imagery gave rise to broader meanings of rubbing, grinding, polishing, or refining.

마찰 (摩擦) — friction; rubbing

마모 (磨耗 / 摩耗) — wear; erosion

마도 (摩滅) — to wear out; to fade

마음 (摩音) — old compound for tonal or sound friction (rare)

연마 (硏磨 / 研摩) — to polish; to cultivate; refinement

摩 often pairs with 磨 (to grind) — both share similar imagery of rubbing and refinement, but 摩 emphasizes manual or gentle contact, whereas 磨 suggests abrasive grinding.

The concept of 摩 symbolizes discipline through repeated refinement — the gradual smoothing away of roughness.

It appears in Buddhist and Confucian texts with the sense of “moral polishing”:

摩頂放踵 (마정방종) — “to serve from head to heel,” describing total dedication to the Dharma or to one’s ruler.

In this sense, 摩 transcends physical friction to express devotional perseverance and spiritual refinement through constant effort.