稱

Phono-semantic compound consisting of:

禾 (벼 화) — semantic element, referring to grain, indicating measurement or weighing of agricultural goods.

爯 (들 칭) — phonetic component, also carrying the meaning “to lift, to weigh.”

禾 + 爯 → 稱

literally “to weigh (grain),” hence “to measure,” and metaphorically “to name according to measure.”

The character thus unites practical measurement (禾) with conceptual assessment (爯) — representing both physical balance and verbal judgment.

名稱 (명칭) — name, title

稱讚 (칭찬) — to praise, commend

自稱 (자칭) — to call oneself

對稱 (대칭) — symmetry, correspondence

平稱 (평칭) — to balance evenly

稱職 (칭직) — competent, fit for one’s post

稱量 (칭량) — to weigh and measure

稱呼 (칭호) — to address, to call

稱心 (칭심) — satisfactory, pleasing

適稱 (적칭) — appropriately matched

In Confucian texts, the act of weighing (稱) became a metaphor for ethical balance and fairness.

稱物平施，謂之中庸。

“To distribute things in proper measure — this is the Mean.”

— Doctrine of the Mean (中庸)

Here, 稱 represents justice, proportionality, and moderation — qualities essential to moral governance and personal virtue.

In philosophy and statecraft, 稱 implies recognition of rightful identity or merit — “to call something by its true name.”

稱其德而立其名。

“Name him according to his virtue, and establish his title accordingly.”

This sense aligns with the Confucian principle of 正名 (정명) — rectification of names, ensuring that words match realities.

The phrase 稱心如意 (칭심여의) — “to be satisfied in heart and desire” — shows how 稱 evolved from external balance to inner harmony.

It expresses the ideal of a heart measured and content within the Dao.

心稱其事，乃得安然。

“When the heart and the deed are in balance, there is peace.”