斑

Phono-semantic compound consisting of:

文 (글월 문) — semantic component, indicating markings, patterns, or decorative designs.

班 (나눌 반) — phonetic component, providing the sound bān / ban and the sense of division or distribution.

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

「斑，文采也。从文从半聲。」

“斑 means patterns or colored markings; composed of 文 (mark) and the sound 半 (half).”

Over time, 半 was replaced by its phonetic variant 班 in most script traditions, preserving the pronunciation but slightly shifting the form.

Thus, 斑 originally referred to variegated markings — designs produced by contrast or intermixture of color — and later extended to any kind of spot or patch pattern.

斑 (반) — spotted, mottled, speckled

斑點 (반점) — spot; speck; stain; patch (esp. on skin)

斑紋 (반문) — pattern; stripes; mottled markings

斑斕 (반란) — variegated; multicolored; splendidly patterned

斑駁 (반박) — mottled; spotted; weathered

斑白 (반백) — grizzled hair; white mixed with black

斑痕 (반흔) — scar; mark; trace (esp. after wound)

斑鳩 (반구) — turtle dove (bird with mottled feathers)

斑馬 (반마) — zebra (lit. “spotted horse”)

班斑 (반반) — streaked; variegated (literary usage)

In literary expressions, 斑 often evokes imagery of contrast and variation — the interweaving of light and dark, old and new, joy and sorrow.

The Kangxi Dictionary (康熙字典) glosses:

「斑，文也。凡物雜色曰斑。」

“斑 means patterning; when a thing has mixed colors, it is called 斑.”

In classical Chinese literature, 斑 frequently appears in poetic imagery describing:

- fur and feathers (斑駁之虎, “a mottled tiger”),

- stone patterns (斑斕之玉, “veined jade”),

- aging (鬢斑, “gray-streaked temples”),

- light reflections (月影斑斕, “the dappled light of the moon”).

In medical terminology, 斑 refers to discolorations or patches on the skin — 반점 (斑點) — a sense retained in both Korean and Chinese.

Figuratively, it may also describe irregular traces or remnants, as in 斑駁歲月 (“weathered years”) or 血斑 (“bloodstains”).

Thus, 斑 bridges the literal and the aesthetic: from the visual patterning of nature to the metaphorical patterning of life and emotion.

Cultural and linguistic notes:

In East Asian aesthetics, 斑 suggests beauty through imperfection — variegation as a natural ornament.

The alternating tones of ink on paper, moss on stone, or aged patina on bronze are all described as 斑駁 (반박) in traditional art criticism.

In Korean poetic diction, expressions like 반점이 진 달빛 (“moonlight speckled with shadows”) reflect the same classical usage.

斑 depicts the idea of contrast, pattern, and natural irregularity — the interplay of colors, tones, and textures.

From its pictorial origin combining 文 (pattern) and 班 (division), it evolved to encompass spots, marks, and variegation in both material and symbolic senses.

In the moral and aesthetic vision of East Asia, 斑 expresses the beauty of natural diversity and the traces of time — the mottled grace of all that endures.