貴

Phono-semantic compound:

貝 (조개 패, “cowrie shell”) — semantic, representing wealth or value, as shells were used as currency in antiquity.

臾 (잠깐 유) — phonetic, providing the sound 귀 (guì).

In the bronze and seal script, the upper part 臾 was more distinct, resembling a hand grasping something valuable; through clerical (예서) and standard (해서) script evolution, it merged into the current compact form.

Thus, the character visually expresses “what one treasures or holds dear” — combining the idea of wealth (貝) and esteem (臾).

귀하다 (貴-) — to be precious or noble.

귀족 (貴族) — aristocracy, noble class.

귀인 (貴人) — noble person; respected figure or benefactor.

귀중 (貴重) — valuable, precious.

고귀 (高貴) — lofty, noble, dignified.

존귀 (尊貴) — honorable, exalted.

In formal address, 貴- functions as an honorific prefix, as in:

귀하 (貴下) — “Your Excellency.”

귀국 (貴國) — “Your nation.”

귀사 (貴社) — “Your company.”

In ancient Chinese philosophy, 貴 was deeply tied to the moral and social order:

In Confucian philosophy (儒家), 貴 embodies not only material honor but the moral principle of rightness and virtue:

「富與貴，是人之所欲也；不以其道得之，不處也。」

“Riches and honor are what men desire, yet if not obtained by the proper way, they should not be held.” — Analects (論語) 4:5

Hence, 貴德 (귀덕) — “noble virtue” — was esteemed higher than 貴位 (귀위), social rank.

In Daoist texts, the notion was reversed: humility itself was seen as the greatest nobility — “貴以身為天下，則可寄於天下” (“He who values himself lightly can be entrusted with the world,” Dao De Jing 13).

By the Han dynasty, 貴 also became a bureaucratic rank indicator, found in inscriptions marking noble titles such as 貴侯 (귀후, “Marquis of Honor”).

Symbolism & Calligraphy:

In traditional seal script (篆書), 貴 appears tall and balanced, emphasizing the contrast between 貝 (wealth) below and 臾 (holding or valuing) above — visually symbolizing possessing what is precious with both reverence and restraint.

In calligraphy, especially in semi-cursive (行書) or cursive (草書), artists often elongate the lower 貝 radical, representing foundation and dignity, while softening the upper form to convey graceful nobility.

As a symbol, 貴 is frequently paired with 富 (wealth) in fortune inscriptions like:

富貴 (부귀) — “wealth and honor,” the archetypal ideal of worldly success.

榮貴 (영귀) — “glory and high rank.”

貴壽無疆 (귀수무강) — “May your honor and longevity be boundless.”

In literature and poetry, 貴 often contrasts with 賤 (humble, lowly), exploring moral and existential tension — as in “賤不忘貴，貴不侮賤” (“The humble do not forget honor, the noble do not scorn the lowly”).

Today, 貴 remains a central concept across East Asian ethics and aesthetics — bridging material value, social respect, and moral worth.