段

Pictograph / semantic origin:

Derived from the image of striking stone with a hammer to cut it into pieces.

The idea of something being broken or divided into segments led to the meanings of “step,” “stage,” and “section.”

Semantic range:

- physical steps or stairs;

- a segment or section of something larger;

- a stage in progress, rank, or gradation.

階段 (계단) – staircase, steps

段階 (단계) – stage, phase

一段 (일단) – one section, one step

段落 (단락) – paragraph, passage

中段 (중단) – middle section