率

Originally a pictograph showing a cord wrapped around itself, representing a “rope” or “net.”

In oracle bone script, small dots were drawn around 糸 (thread), indicating twisted strands or a cord wound in circles.

In bronze inscriptions, the form developed into a net used for catching birds.

This led to the meaning “to capture”, “to lead, to direct.”

Later, its abstract use extended to “ratio” or “proportion,” representing numerical or relational balance — a semantic metaphor from guiding or regulating.

Although complex in structure, 率 can be analyzed as:

糸 (실 사, “thread”) — semantic, representing the act of tying, binding, or leading.

玄 / 冫 / 十 — phonetic or structural elements, contributing to the sound ryul / sol in Sino-Korean.

솔 (to lead):

솔선 (率先) — to take the initiative, to lead by example

솔의 (率意) — sincerity, leading with true intent

솔군 (率軍) — to lead troops (archaic)

률 / 율 (ratio):

비율 (比率) — proportion, ratio

출률 (出率) — output rate, yield

효율 (效率) — efficiency

확률 (確率) — probability

In Classical Chinese, 率 is often used interchangeably with 帥 (commander, leader), especially in the military sense (“to command an army”).

率兵 (솔병) — “to lead soldiers.”

率德 (솔덕) — “to lead with virtue,” a Confucian concept appearing in texts like The Book of Documents (書經), emphasizing moral leadership.

比率 (비율) — “proportion,” the modern mathematical extension.