糸
- thin silk;
- fine thread;
Etymology
The character primarily means "fine thread" (가는실 멱), though it is also read as "thread" (실 사). However, it was not added to the standard Hangul syllables or duplicate characters set.
The character 糸 is an ideogram representing twisted thread. Its origins trace back to the same form as 玄 (seen in ancient oracle and bronze inscriptions), deriving from an older form 𢆯 before differentiation. Also, the small component 幺 inside 幽 derives from this 𢆯 shape which originally appeared on the sides of 山.
So, 糸 visually and historically represents twisted thread, evolving alongside related characters from ancient forms.
Usage in Korean
Nowadays, 糸 and 絲 are often used interchangeably, and the original meaning tied to 糸 is rarely used, so conflicts like those seen with 缺 do not occur.
Alternative forms
- 糹 — alternative form of 糸;
Characters with 糸
- 結 — to tie, to bind, to conclude;
- 續 — to connect, to link, to continue, to be joined;
- 繼 — to continue, to maintain, to succeed, to inherit;
- 練 — to practice, to train, to drill, to temper;
- 總 — all, to gather, to put together, to oversee, to sum up, to command, to supervise;
- 素 — originally, fundamental, basis, plain, white;
- 終 — to finish, to end, to conclude;
- 組 — to weave, to form, to organize, group, unit;
- 統 — to lead, to command, to govern, to unify, system, lineage, connection;
- 絶 — to cut off, to sever, to end, absolutely;
- 經 — to pass through, to undergo, warp thread (vertical thread in weaving), scripture, classic, principle;
- 維 — cord, warp thread, binding, to maintain;
- 緖 — clue, beginning, origin, thread end, state of mind;
- 約 — to tie, to bind, to promise, to arrange, approximately, to reduce (in fractions);
- 納 — to receive, to accept, to admit, to submit, to pay (tribute/tax), to enjoy;
- 緣 — connection, fate, relationship (esp. karmic bond), cause, edge, margi;
- 繹 — to unravel, to investigate thoroughly, to set out in order, to follow in succession;
- 織 — to weave, to knit, banner, flag (esp. military flag);
- 績 — weaving, spinning, to make cloth, achievement, merit, accomplishment;
- 縱 — vertical, lengthwise, to let loose, to indulge, to allow at will, to stretch, to extend, to release;
- 緯 — weft thread, ordering, regulating, latitude (in geography), pattern, principle;
- 女戈火 (VIF)
- ⿱ 幺 小
