珥

A phono-semantic compound consisting of:

玉 (jade) — semantic component, indicates precious stone or ornament;

耳 (ear) — phonetic component, supplying the sound (이 / ěr), and subtly reinforces meaning (ear-related).

Originally, it referred to jade ornaments attached to the ear.

Semantic development:

- jade ornament;

- ear ornament;

- decorative earring.

The character retains its original concrete meaning without major semantic extension.

In Korean, 珥 appears mainly in historical or literary texts.

이주 (珥珠) — jeweled earring (classical)

珥 specifically emphasizes the ear ornament aspect.

A relatively rare character in modern usage.

Preserved mainly in classical and historical texts.

Reflects the importance of jade in ancient East Asian material culture.

Related characters:

玉 — jade

珠 — pearl

環 — ring

飾 — ornament