權

Phono-semantic compound:

木 (tree, wood) – semantic element, indicating a tree or wooden object.

雚 (stork, “gwan”) – phonetic element.

Originally referred to a type of shrub, 황화목 (黃華木), used to carve weights for scales. From “balance weight” it developed the meaning of “measure, judgment,” and by extension “authority, power.”

Semantic range:

- physical weight, counterweight;

- authority, influence, power;

- legal rights, entitlement.

권세 (權勢) – influence, authority, power

권력 (權力) – political power

권리 (權利) – rights

임시방편 (權道) – expedient, temporary measure

In Shuowen Jiezi and Erya (爾雅), the original sense is explained as a shrub (黃華木) used to make scale weights.

Later borrowed to express authority and power, since balancing and weighing symbolized judgment and governance.

The surname 권 (權) has origins in China (House of Quan), later transmitted to Korea and Japan. In Korea, it became established when King Taejo of Goryeo granted the surname to Kim Haeng (later 권행), ancestor of the Andong Kwon clan.

権

radicalno: 75

addcomponents: 木 +18

strokes: 22

cangjieinput1: 木廿口土 (DTRG)

composition1: ⿰ 木 雚