直

Originally a pictographic–ideographic compound:

Top part 十 + 目 (eye) – indicating “to see clearly, directly.”

Bottom part 丨 (vertical stroke) – symbolizing straightness or uprightness.

Together, the character conveys the sense of “straight/upright as seen by the eye.” Over time, it took on the broader meanings of “correct, just, honest.”

Semantic range:

- straight, not bent – 곧다.

- upright, proper, correct – 바르다, 옳다.

- frank, direct – 솔직하다.

- duty, post, shift (extended sense, as in 宿直 “night duty”).

정직(正直) – honesty, integrity.

직선(直線) – straight line.

직접(直接) – directly, in person.

당직(當直), 숙직(宿直), 하직(下直) – post/duty terms where 直 has the extended meaning of “taking a turn, being on duty.”

值/ 値, 埴, 徝, 㥀, 㨁, 淔, 植, 殖, 犆, 禃, 䐈, 稙, 真, 惪, 悳, 嗭, 矗, 置