殿

Phono-semantic compound:

殳 (weapon, cudgel radical) – semantic element, associated with structures, authority, or imposing form.

𡱒 (dun, buttocks / phonetic element) – provides the sound.

Originally used for large halls or elevated chambers of rulers. The meaning extended to imperial palaces, temples, and grand pavilions.

Semantic range:

- “palace hall, temple” (전각 殿閣);

- “imperial residence, throne hall” (대궐);

- by extension, any grand building or hall.

Commonly appears in honorifics for monarchs and royalty (e.g., 殿下).

In Buddhist contexts, 殿 is used for major halls in temples (e.g., 大雄殿).

전각 (殿閣) – palace hall, pavilion

대전 (大殿) – main hall, throne room

중전 (中殿) – empress, or her hall

후전 (後殿) – rear hall, residence in a palace

전하 (殿下) – “Your Highness” (form of address to royalty)

Buddhist temple contexts:

대웅전 (大雄殿) – Main Hall of Great Hero (Buddha Śākyamuni)

극락전 (極樂殿) – Hall of Paradise (Amitābha Buddha)

미륵전 (彌勒殿) – Hall of Maitreya (future Buddha)

관음전 (觀音殿) – Hall of Avalokiteśvara (Bodhisattva of Compassion)

Strong association with royalty and formality in secular contexts.

In religious contexts, 殿 marks the main worship halls of temples.

The character emphasizes grandeur, authority, and reverence.