郞

A phono-semantic compound composed of:

邑 — semantic component related to settlement or people;

良 — phonetic component indicating the sound (랑 / láng).

The character originally referred to a man within a community, later developing meanings like young man or husband.

Semantic development:

- man within a community;

- young man or gentleman;

- husband or male figure.

신랑 (新郞) — bridegroom

낭군 (郞君) — husband (archaic or literary)

화랑 (花郞) — Hwarang (elite youth group in Silla)

Note: pronunciation varies between 랑 / 낭 depending on position.

The character frequently appears in titles, names, and historical terms.

郞 is an older form, while 郎 is more commonly used today.

Related characters:

良 — good (phonetic component)

男 — man

夫 — husband