緋

Primarily denotes a vivid crimson-red color, especially that of fine silk fabric.

It carries dual senses:

- the red hue of ceremonial garments or cloth,

- silk fabric of such color, as in 비단 (緋緞).

Thus, it symbolizes both luxurious textile beauty and ranked ceremonial attire in East Asian cultures.

Phono-semantic compound composed of:

糸 (가는실 멱) — semantic component, indicating thread, fabric, weaving.

非 (아닐 비) — phonetic component, giving the sound bi and connoting “intense” or “distinguished.”

The combination suggests a cloth of vivid, distinctive color, woven of fine threads and bright dye.

緋色 (비색) — scarlet, crimson hue

緋衣 (비의) — red ceremonial robe

緋緞 (비단) — crimson silk fabric

緋服 (비복) — high official uniform dyed in scarlet

緋鯉 (비리) — red carp (koi fish with scarlet coloring)

The term 緋色 (비색) refers to the deep, radiant scarlet-red used in noble and ceremonial garments.

In Silla (신라), it was the color rank for the second-grade official robe (단령), symbolizing authority and nobility.

In Japan, during the Heian and Edo periods, the sokutai (束帯, court attire) system assigned colors by rank:

緋色 (hi-iro) for 4th and 5th court ranks, divided into darker and lighter shades depending on seniority.

Thus, 緋 became not only a color but a symbol of social hierarchy and dignity.

In Korea, the compound 緋緞 (비단) became synonymous with “silk fabric,”

though originally 비단 derived from 필단 (疋緞) — meaning “a roll of silk.”

The use of 緋 in that word reflects a later ateji (phonetic borrowing) — using a character for its sound bi rather than its original meaning.

緋 represents the noble brilliance of red — passion bound by dignity.

In East Asian symbolism:

- red (赤) signifies life and fire,

- crimson (緋) signifies refined vitality, the color of blood and royal favor.

It was used for garments of ministers and warriors — bright yet solemn, vibrant yet disciplined.

「緋為尊色，非庶所服。」

“Scarlet is a color of honor, not for common wear.”

緋 embodies refined intensity — the meeting of elegance and power.

It is fire woven into fabric, a reminder that true grace carries the warmth of inner strength.

Thus, 緋 stands for beauty that commands respect, the color of courage, ceremony, and timeless artistry.