貿

In classical usage, 貿 often emphasizes exchange of equivalents, while 易 focuses more on change or barter—thus the compound 貿易 carries both senses (“exchange of goods” + “barter/trade”).

Phono-semantic compound:

貝 (shell, valuables, “wealth, currency”) — semantic element related to money, goods, valuables

卯 (넷째 천간 묘) — phonetic component providing sound (mù / màu / mo / mu)

In early script forms (bronze inscriptions), the graph shows:

貝 (commodity, currency)

卯 positioned above, indicating the pronunciation

This composition marks actions in which valuables are exchanged.

《說文解字》 (Shuowen Jiezi):

「貿，易也。」

“貿 means to exchange.”

Here 易 (to exchange/barter) is used to define 貿—showing their close semantic relationship.

Modern Korean primarily uses 貿 in the compound 무역, one of the most common business terms.

무역 (貿易) — trade, commerce

교무 (交貿) — exchange trade

무매 (貿賣) — buying and selling (rare, classical)

무화 (貿貨) — traded goods (arch.)

The compound 貿易 historically reflected two aspects:

貿 — exchange of valuables

易 — change / barter / mutual exchange

Together, they reinforce the concept of reciprocal trade.

In early states (Zhou, Spring and Autumn), 貿 referred not only to commercial markets but also to tribute exchanges, where states traded ritual goods or precious items.

Classical citations:

《國語·齊語》 (Guoyu, Discourses of the States)

「通財貿賄，以相給乏。」

“They exchanged goods and resources to supply each other’s needs.”

Describes early inter-state trade.

《淮南子·主術訓》 (Huainanzi)

「市無貿遷之詐。」

“Let the marketplace be free of fraudulent trade or deceitful exchanges.”

貿 used in the sense of commercial transactions.