縫

A phono-semantic compound consisting of:

糸 (thread) — semantic component, indicates sewing or textile work;

逢 — phonetic component, supplying the sound (봉 / féng).

The original idea is “to join threads together,” hence sewing.

Semantic development:

- to join threads;

- to sew cloth;

- seam or stitched line;

- gap or fissure.

The metaphorical extension from stitched seam to crack or gap is common in Chinese usage.

Used primarily in technical or medical vocabulary (e.g., surgical sutures).

봉합 (縫合) — suture; to stitch together

재봉 (裁縫) — sewing; tailoring

봉선 (縫線) — seam line

縫 emphasizes joining by thread or stitching. It reflects the traditional importance of textile craftsmanship.

Related characters:

裁 — to cut (as in tailoring)

補 — to mend

接 — to connect

裂 — to split