敬

Phono-semantic/compound form:

茍 (similar in form to 苟, here functioning as phonetic element);

攴 (to strike, action with the hand) – semantic element indicating act or conduct.

Originally conveyed the idea of serious or solemn behavior.

By extension, it came to mean respectful conduct, reverence, and carefulness in attitude.

In early bronze inscriptions, 敬 expressed “solemnity” rather than respect specifically.

The Shuowen Jiezi (説文解字 shuōwén jiězì) glosses it as “엄숙하다” (to be solemn).

The left part resembles 苟 (careless, if), but is actually derived from 茍 (urgent, serious).

Semantic range:

- to respect, revere, honor (elders, deities, principles);

- reverent, solemn, careful in behavior;

- to treat with seriousness, diligence.

恭敬 (공경) – respectful, reverent

敬老 (경로) – respect for the elderly

尊敬 (존경) – to revere, admire

敬意 (경의) – respect, homage

敬語 (경어) – honorific language