深

Compound character:

水 (water radical) – semantic, indicating liquid, rivers, or depth.

罙 (gradually, hidden, obscure) – phonetic element, also suggesting something drawn inward or concealed.

Together, they convey the image of water sinking into hidden depths, symbolizing both physical depth and figurative profundity.

Semantic range:

- deep water, depth of rivers or oceans;

- profound meaning, deep thought, insight;

- intense (emotion, relationship, night, etc.).

The character is used widely in both literal and figurative senses, making it one of the most versatile “depth” characters in East Asian vocabulary.

심해 (深海) – deep sea

심야 (深夜) – late night, midnight

심정 (深情) – deep feelings

심도 (深度) – depth, profundity

심원 (深遠) – deep and far-reaching