鑿

A phono-semantic compound consisting of:

金 (metal) — semantic component, reflects tools made of metal (e.g., chisels);

𣫞 (phonetic element, now obsolete) — supplying the sound (착 / zào).

The structure of 𣫞 is extremely complex. Its upper-left portion resembles:

業 (minus 木) with 臼 inserted below

Because of its intricate form, 鑿 is visually one of the more complex standard characters.

Semantic development:

- to pierce with a metal tool;

- chisel or drilling tool;

- hole;

- figuratively: deliberate effort or forced action.

굴착 (掘鑿) — excavation

원조방예 (圓鑿方枘) — round peg in a square hole (metaphor for incompatibility)

When meaning “hole,” 鑿 is read 조, hence 원조방예 is correct, not 원착방예.

In modern Korean, the word 굴삭기 (掘削機) has become more common than the original 굴착기 (掘鑿機). The National Institute of Korean Language recommends using 굴착기 as the standard form.

鑿 emphasizes tool-based boring or chiseling. In idioms, 鑿 can symbolize effort or intentional shaping.

Related characters:

削 — to cut; to pare

掘 — to dig

孔 — hole

穿 — to pierce

𣫫 — rare variant