蹟

Phono-semantic compound composed of:

足 (발 족) — semantic component, indicating the foot or movement.

責 (꾸짖을 책) — phonetic component, providing the sound jeok (적) and suggesting the notion of accountability or cause.

Together, these form the meaning “the trace left by steps”, i.e. a mark or evidence of motion or conduct.

In ancient script, similar forms like 跡 and 蹠 carried overlapping meanings. In modern usage, 蹟 and 跡 are often interchangeable; however, Hong Kong and traditional Chinese contexts tend to prefer 跡, while 蹟 remains common in formal or literary registers (e.g. 功蹟 “meritorious deeds”).

足蹟 (족적) — footprint; trace; mark of one’s passage

事蹟 (사적) — achievements; record of deeds

遺蹟 (유적) — remains; historical site; relic

行蹟 (행적) — course of action; one’s past record

功蹟 (공적) — meritorious deed; accomplishment

奇蹟 (기적) — miracle; wondrous event (“rare trace”)

靈蹟 (영적) — sacred trace or manifestation of a divine being

史蹟 (사적) — historic site or record

聖蹟 (성적) — holy site; deeds of a sage

蹟象 (적상) — the visible sign left by something invisible

In its most basic sense, 蹟 refers to the footprint left behind by walking — a tangible mark of passage. Yet in literature and philosophy, it evolved to represent the intangible mark of one’s life and actions.

蹟者，行之所存也。

“A trace is that which remains where one has walked.”

In Confucian writings, 蹟 often appears in the context of moral example — the visible result of virtuous conduct.

「聖人之蹟，不可不法。」

“The traces of the sages must not go unmodeled” — Book of Rites (禮記).

In Buddhist texts, 蹟 takes on a sacred meaning, referring to the manifested traces (化蹟) of the Buddha in the world — his appearances, teachings, or miraculous signs left for beings’ enlightenment.

「佛雖入滅，其蹟猶存。」

“Though the Buddha has entered Nirvana, his traces remain.”

The contrast between 本 (origin) and 蹟 (trace) became a central concept in Mahayana Buddhism — 本地 (root reality) refers to the eternal, while 化蹟 (manifested traces) are temporal appearances through which truth is revealed.

In literary usage, 蹟 often evokes nostalgia or reverence for the past:

「古人之蹟，今猶可尋。」

“The traces of the ancients can still be sought today.”

It expresses the continuity between the past and present — how every action leaves a mark, and how memory preserves what time erases.

蹟 reminds us that every step leaves a mark, whether in earth, history, or the heart.

It symbolizes the visible expression of invisible intent — the evidence of life, virtue, and legacy.

行無愧而後蹟香。

“Only when one’s deeds are without shame does one’s trace carry fragrance.”

Thus, 蹟 is not merely a footprint on the ground, but a record of existence itself — the enduring path we leave for those who follow.