柄

Literally means the handle of a tool or weapon, the part that is grasped by the hand. By extension, it also refers to control, authority, or the means to exercise power — metaphorically, “to have the handle” of a situation.

Phono-semantic compound composed of:

木 (나무 목) — semantic component, indicating that the object is made of wood or relates to something handled (as tools often were).

丙 (남녁 병) — phonetic component, also associated with grasping and holding (influencing the meaning through the related form 秉 “to hold”).

Hence, 柄 represents a wooden part meant to be grasped, i.e., a handle or shaft.

刀柄 (도병) — handle of a knife

斧柄 (부병) — axe handle

權柄 (권병) — authority; political power (“the handle of power”)

印柄 (인병) — control of the seal; administrative authority

槍柄 (창병) — spear handle

柄端 (병단) — end of the handle

執柄 (집병) — to hold authority or command

國柄 (국병) — reins of state; government authority

In daily life, 柄 referred to the physical handle of tools, weapons, or utensils — the point of human contact, allowing control over an object.

Because one who holds the handle controls the tool, 柄 naturally evolved into a metaphor for power and governance.

「執柄者治國，失柄者亂。」

“He who holds the handle governs the state; he who loses it brings disorder.”

In political language, 權柄 (권병) — literally “the handle of authority” — became a classical expression for the power to command or decide, paralleling English idioms like “the reins of power.”

In Confucian and Legalist philosophy, the idea of “holding the handle” (執柄) reflects the ruler’s need to maintain firm yet just control — not crushing the people, but guiding them.

「聖人執柄，以道御民。」

“The sage holds the handle, governing the people through the Way.”

柄 represents control, connection, and responsibility.

It is the point where strength meets precision — the part that directs force.

To “grasp the handle” is to master both tool and intention.

In literature, the word often conveys the moral challenge of power — that the one who holds the handle must use it wisely, lest it harm rather than help.

「柄在手而不為害，乃仁者也。」

“He who holds the handle yet causes no harm — that is the benevolent one.”

柄 teaches the wisdom of measured control. Whether in leading others or mastering one’s own nature, the “handle” is where action begins — the place between strength and care.

「柄正則器安，心正則事順。」

“When the handle is steady, the tool works well; when the heart is right, affairs go smoothly.”

Thus, 柄 stands as a quiet emblem of leadership and mastery — the balanced hand that guides without domination, the strength that serves purpose through control.

A close variant, 棅 (U+68C5), replaces 丙 with 秉 (to hold), emphasizing the act of grasping — both share the same origin and meaning.