枯

A phono-semantic compound:

木 (wood, tree) — semantic component

古 (old; former) — phonetic component, providing the sound "go"

The original image is that of a tree that has lost moisture and life, leading naturally to meanings such as dry, withered, and lifeless. From this physical sense, abstract meanings developed, such as emotional exhaustion or spiritual barrenness.

枯木 (고목) — dead tree; withered wood

枯葉 (고엽) — withered leaves

枯死 (고사) — to die from drying up; perish

枯渇 (고갈) — depletion; drying up (resources)

枯燥 (고조) — dry; dull; uninteresting (figurative)

心枯 (심고) — a withered heart; emotional exhaustion (literary)

枯 is common in Buddhist and Daoist texts, often symbolizing detachment, emptiness, or the exhaustion of worldly desire.

In Confucianism, withering highlights moral testing.

In Daoism and Buddhism, 枯 may symbolize transcendence, not decay.

In poetry, 枯 is deeply tied to autumn imagery, solitude, and impermanence.

In contrastive expressions, 枯 is often paired with 榮 (flourishing), emphasizing cycles of decline and renewal.

The word carries neutral or negative connotations, unlike older poetic metaphors where withering could imply serenity or transcendence.

Closely related characters (wither / dry):

凋 — to wither; fade

萎 — to wilt

槁 — dried-out wood; emaciated

乾 / 干 — dry

竭 — exhausted; run dry

Opposites (flourish / life):

榮 — flourish; glory

盛 — abundant; prosperous

茂 — lush; luxuriant

生 — life; growth

Abstract extensions:

疲 — exhausted

乏 — lacking

衰 — decline