繁

Phono-semantic compound:

糸 (가는 실 멱, “thread”) – semantic component, indicating thread or complexity.

敏 (민첩할 민, “quick, nimble”) – phonetic component, lending sound.

Thus originally “many threads,” extending to “numerous, flourishing, complex.”

The character carries both positive connotations (prosperity, abundance) and negative connotations (complicated, troublesome).

繁榮 (번영) — prosperity, flourishing

繁盛 (번성) — thriving, prosperous

繁華 (번화) — bustling, splendid

繁雜 (번잡) — complicated, confused

頻繁 (빈번) — frequent, repeatedly

繁殖 (번식) — reproduction, propagation

In the term 繁體字 (번체자) — “traditional characters” — 繁 is understood as “complicated.”

Contrasted with 簡 (simple), as in 簡體字 (간체자) — “simplified characters.”