痕

A phono-semantic compound composed of:

疒 (illness; bodily condition) — semantic component, indicates something affecting the body, especially injury or abnormal state;

艮 (to stop; fixed; hard) — phonetic component, supplies the sound "heun" and contributes the idea of something that remains fixed.

Originally, 痕 referred to marks left on the body after illness or injury, especially scars. From this concrete medical sense, the meaning broadened to include any lasting trace left by an action or event.

The semantic range of 痕 expanded in a clear trajectory:

- physical scar — marks left on the body after wounds or disease;

- visible trace — scratches, stains, or impressions;

- abstract trace — emotional, historical, or symbolic remnants.

This evolution reflects a shared concept: something once active is gone, but its presence remains visible.

Physical / concrete:

상흔 (傷痕) — wound scar

흔적 (痕跡) — trace; mark

혈흔 (血痕) — bloodstain

Abstract / figurative:

세월의 흔적 — traces of time

역사의 흔적 — marks of history

마음의 상흔 — emotional scar

흔적 is the most common compound and is widely used both literally and metaphorically.

痕 retains a somber or reflective tone, frequently associated with memory, suffering, or the passage of time. It emphasizes persistence after disappearance.

Often contrasted with 跡 — footprint; trace (more neutral, external).

痕 carries a stronger nuance of impact or damage, especially when applied metaphorically.

Related characters:

跡 — footprint; trace

傷 — wound

印 — mark; imprint

留 — to remain

殘 — leftover; remnant

Among these, 痕 most strongly implies a mark left by harm or intense experience.

Classical-style usage:

歲月留痕 — “The years leave their traces”

傷痛之痕，久而不滅 — “Scars of pain do not fade even with time”