緞

Phono-semantic compound composed of:

糸 (가는실 멱) — semantic component, indicating “thread” or “textile.”

段 (층계 단) — phonetic component, giving the sound dan and suggesting section / layer / gradation.

Together they signify a layered, fine woven silk, symbolizing the smooth, glossy, multi-threaded fabric prized in ancient China.

緞布 (단포) — satin cloth

錦緞 (금단) — brocade and satin (luxurious fabrics)

絲緞 (사단) — silken satin

緞帶 (단대) — ribbon, decorative band

In literary Korean, “비단결같다 (smooth as silk)” derives conceptually from this word. It conveys elegance, softness, and refinement — qualities symbolized by 緞.

緞 originated during the Tang and Song dynasties, when textile weaving reached high levels of sophistication.

It denoted satin-weave silk, distinct from plain-weave silk (綢 chou) or patterned brocade (錦 geum).

The term referred to dense, soft, and glossy cloth, where the warp threads (縱絲) dominated the surface — producing its characteristic sheen.

「緞者，絲之細密而光澤者也。」

“緞 is silk that is finely woven and glossy.”

Such cloth was widely exported along the Silk Road, and the word remains preserved in modern textile terminology across East Asia.

緞 represents refinement, wealth, and grace.

It stands among the “four noble fabrics” of Chinese tradition: 綢, 緞, 羅, and 錦.

As silk was once a royal monopoly, 緞 evoked status and beauty.

In poetry, it was often used metaphorically to describe:

- the softness of clouds (緞雲),

- the glow of moonlight (緞光),

- or the elegance of garments (緞衣).

緞 thus stands for elegant labor — the harmony between nature’s fiber and human artistry.