紋

A phono-semantic compound:

糸 (silk, thread) — semantic component

文 (pattern, writing) — phonetic component

紋 originally referred to decorative patterns made with threads, especially in textiles. The silk radical emphasizes woven or linear structure, while 文 contributes both sound and the idea of visible patterning.

가문 (家紋) — family crest

문곡 (紋穀) — patterned grain (historical / technical term)

문은 (紋銀) — patterned silver

문장 (紋章) — emblem; coat of arms; crest

성문 (聲紋) — voiceprint; voice signature

지문 (指紋) — fingerprint

파문 (波紋) — ripple; wave pattern

These compounds show how 紋 naturally extends from visual decoration to identifying patterns, both physical and abstract.

紋 emphasizes structured, repeatable, identifiable patterns, unlike purely decorative imagery.

In modern contexts (biometrics, acoustics), 紋 retains its original sense of recognizable linear structure.

The character bridges textiles, heraldry, biology, and technology, making it unusually versatile.

Relation to Korean word 무늬:

Notably, the native Korean word 무늬 (“pattern, marking”) is widely considered to be etymologically derived from the Sino-Korean pronunciation 문 (紋), rather than the other way around. This is a relatively rare case where a Sino-Korean reading influenced native Korean vocabulary.

Related characters:

文 — pattern; writing; culture

絞 — to tie; to bind (textile-related patterning)

綾 — figured silk; twill pattern

章 — emblem; badge

圖 / 図 — diagram; design