爆

Phono-semantic compound composed of:

火 (불 화) — semantic component, meaning “fire,” representing combustion and heat.

暴 (사나울 폭) — phonetic component, giving the sound pok and conveying meanings such as “fierce,” “violent,” or “sudden.”

Together they form the sense of “fire that bursts violently,” hence “to explode” or “to erupt.”

爆發 (폭발) — explosion; eruption; outbreak

爆炸 (폭작) — to blow up; to detonate

爆笑 (폭소) — burst of laughter; explosive laughter

爆音 (폭음) — explosive sound; blast

爆燃 (폭연) — combustion; fiery explosion

爆炎 (폭염) — blazing flame

爆裂 (폭열) — to crack or split from heat or pressure

爆破 (폭파) — to blow up; demolition

爆雷 (폭뢰) — bomb; mine (lit. “exploding thunder”)

爆冷 (폭랭) — unexpected chill; (fig.) sudden upset in sports or politics

Modern Chinese and Korean usage also extends to metaphorical meanings such as “to go viral” (爆紅, 爆款), describing sudden rise in fame or popularity.

In ancient texts, 爆 described natural or man-made explosions — the bursting of fire, heat, or stored energy.

As metallurgy, fireworks, and gunpowder developed, 爆 became a key character in describing fire-based technology and military engineering.

「火藥爆裂，聲如雷震。」

“The gunpowder exploded, its sound like thunder shaking the sky.”

In modern Chinese and Korean, 爆 carries emotional and expressive force.

Phrases like 爆笑 (폭소) — “burst into laughter” — and 爆怒 (폭노) — “burst into anger” — use the image of an emotional explosion to describe overwhelming human reactions.

The culinary use, as in 爆炒 (to stir-fry over intense heat), retains the core idea of sudden fiery energy, transforming ingredients in seconds — a vivid metaphor for transformation through intensity.

爆 symbolizes sudden release and transformation through heat and pressure.

The fire radical (火) stands for energy, passion, and danger, while 暴 adds the qualities of force, brightness, and violent outburst.

Together they form an image of powerful change — destruction and creation intertwined.

「爆者，火之極也。」

“Explosion is the culmination of fire.”

Thus, 爆 embodies both the destructive and creative potential of sudden energy — the moment where intensity reshapes what exists.

爆 teaches about energy without restraint — the fine line between illumination and destruction.

It reminds us that passion and power, if unbalanced, can consume, yet when controlled, can transform.

「火可照人，亦可灼人；爆者，其極矣。」

“Fire can give light or burn; explosion is its extreme.”

Therefore, 爆 stands as a character of intensity, release, and transformation — a symbol of both danger and vitality, and a reminder that true mastery of power lies not in suppression, but in directing energy toward creation rather than chaos.