確

確 is generally analyzed as a phono-semantic compound:

石 (stone, rock) – semantic element, symbolizing hardness, firmness, solidity;

隺 (gak, lofty, crane-like) – phonetic element, lending the sound hwak.

Some scholars also interpret it as a semantic compound:

石 (stone) represents solidity;

鶴/隺 (crane) represents steadfastness and noble character.

Together, they evoke the sense of firmness, resoluteness, certainty.

Since 隺 also contributes the sound, the character can be classified as a mixed semantic–phonetic compound.

Semantic range:

- firm, solid, strong – 굳다, 단단하다.

- sure, certain, reliable – 확실하다, 분명하다.

- clear, distinct – 뚜렷하다.

확실 (確實) – certainty, reliability

정확 (正確) – correctness, accuracy

확고 (確固) – firmness, resoluteness

확인 (確認) – confirmation