紫

Phono-semantic compound:

糸 (실 사, “thread, silk”) — semantic, indicating a textile or color derived from dyeing silk.

此 (이 차, “this”) — phonetic, providing the sound 자 (zǐ in Chinese).

Originally, the character described dyed silk threads of purple hue, hence “purple-colored silk,” which later generalized to mean simply “purple.”

자색(紫色) — purple color.

자주(紫朱) — reddish-purple hue.

자금성(紫禁城) — the Forbidden City (literally, “Purple Forbidden City”).

자포(紫袍) — a purple robe, symbolizing high rank or royal favor.

In ancient China, purple was considered a rare and prestigious color, derived from expensive natural dyes (often from sea snails or plant sources).

The idiom 紫氣東來 (“purple aura coming from the east”) symbolizes auspicious omens and was associated with Laozi’s legend, where purple clouds foretold his birth.

During imperial times, 紫微 (자미) referred to the North Star and surrounding constellations, symbolizing the emperor’s celestial palace — leading to terms like 紫禁城 (자금성, Forbidden City), literally “the Purple Forbidden City.”