淫

Phono-semantic compound:

水 (water radical) – semantic, symbolizing fluidity, overflowing, excess.

㸒 (phonetic element, “to approach closely”) – provides the sound.

The character conveys the idea of going beyond proper limits, like water overflowing its boundaries. From this general sense of “excess,” it developed moral and social connotations of indulgence, corruption, and licentiousness.

Semantic range:

- to exceed proper measure, to go too far;

- licentious, lustful, sexually immoral;

- excessive, cruel, or abusive (e.g., in punishment);

- improper, corrupt, contemptible;

Because the “lustful” sense is the most common in later usage, 淫 is often read directly as “obscene” or “lewd.” However, its older and broader sense is simply “excessive, beyond bounds,” whether in behavior, punishment, or morality.

음란 (淫亂) – lewdness, debauchery

음형 (淫刑) – excessive or cruel punishment (not “lewd punishment”)

음군 (淫君) – tyrant, corrupt ruler

음업 (淫業) – contemptuous term for commerce or trades