賠

A phono-semantic compound:

貝 (조개 패) — semantic component, representing money, valuables, or property

咅 (침 부) — phonetic component, supplying the sound (배 / bèi)

The structure expresses the idea of property being given or transferred, specifically to make up for loss, which naturally led to the meaning compensation or reimbursement.

Semantic development:

- transfer of valuables — giving property

- making up for loss — restitution

- legal responsibility — formal compensation or damages

賠 is a core character in legal, financial, and contractual contexts, emphasizing responsibility for loss or damage.

Common compounds:

배상 (賠償) — compensation; damages

배상금 (賠償金) — compensation money

배상책임 (賠償責任) — liability for damages

손해배상 (損害賠償) — compensation for loss

위약배상 (違約賠償) — damages for breach of contract

Verbal usage:

손해를 배하다 — to compensate for damage

전액 배상하다 — to compensate in full

Unlike 補 (to supplement) or 償 (to repay), 賠 specifically implies fault-based compensation, often involving obligation.

Related characters (compensation & liability):

償 — to repay; to recompense

補 — to make up; to repair

責 — responsibility

損 — loss; damage

罰 — penalty

Among these, 賠 uniquely centers on material compensation for harm rather than moral or corrective action.