豪

Phono-semantic compound:

豕 (돼지 시) — semantic component, indicating an animal of strength and size, symbolizing abundance and vigor.

高 (높을 고, here in a reduced or abbreviated form) — phonetic component, provides the sound háo / ho and conveys height, greatness, or loftiness.

Thus 豕 + 高 → 豪 — “lofty like a strong beast,” symbolizing greatness, strength, and magnanimity.

In Shuowen Jiezi (說文解字):

「豪，健也。从豕，高聲。」

“豪 means strong or vigorous; composed of 豕 and phonetic 高.”

The ancient character thus denoted powerful vigor or heroic force — qualities admired in both warriors and noblemen.

豪傑 (호걸) — hero; man of valor

豪華 (호화) — luxury; magnificence

自豪 (자호) — pride; self-confidence

豪勇 (호용) — bravery; boldness

豪族 (호족) — powerful family; noble clan

豪放 (호방) — free-spirited; uninhibited

豪邁 (호매) — grand and gallant

文豪 (문호) — great writer; literary master

It evolved to express nobility, bravery, and grandeur, both moral and material.

Kangxi Dictionary (康熙字典, vol. 1066):

「豪，健也，亦勇也，亦富也。」

“豪 means strong; also brave, also wealthy.”

Book of Han (漢書 · 賈誼傳):

「豪傑並起。」

“Heroes and men of valor arose together” — 豪傑 as a standard compound for “heroic individuals.”

Zhuangzi (莊子 · 外物):

「豪民恣行。」

“The powerful men act as they please” — illustrating the secondary sense of social dominance or pride.

In moral philosophy and history, 豪 can represent both virtue and arrogance — heroic greatness or excessive pride — depending on context.

In later Chinese and Korean usage, 豪 extends metaphorically to opulence or magnificence, as in 豪華 (“luxurious, splendid”).

In compounds such as 豪傑 (hero) and 豪華 (splendor), it continues to embody the dual essence of great spirit and commanding presence — the heroic, the noble, and the magnificent.