淡

A phono-semantic compound:

水 (water radical) — semantic indicator, related to liquid and dilution

炎 (flame) — phonetic component

Originally, the idea is that intense fire evaporates or thins water, leaving it light, weak, or clear. From this physical image, meanings such as dilute, pale, and mild developed.

농담 (濃淡) — density and lightness

담백하다 (淡白하다) — light, plain, not greasy

담담하다 (淡淡하다) — calm, composed, emotionally restrained

Related characters:

濃 — thick, dense (antonym)

清 — clear, pure

薄 — thin, weak

淨 — clean

素 — plain, unadorned

Classical and philosophical usage:

淡 is an important aesthetic concept in classical literature and philosophy.

《莊子·山木篇》 (Zhuangzi)

「君子之交淡如水」

“The friendship of gentlemen is 淡 like water.”

This famous saying praises relationships that are:

- not emotionally excessive

- enduring

- sincere and unforced

In Daoist and Confucian thought, 淡 represents:

- simplicity

- inner balance

- freedom from excessive desire