鞍

A phono-semantic compound composed of:

革 — semantic component meaning “leather”;

安 — phonetic component indicating the sound (안 / ān).

Since saddles were traditionally made of leather, the 革 radical reflects the material used.

Semantic development:

- leather saddle used for riding;

- riding equipment placed on a horse.

The meaning remained closely tied to horse riding equipment.

안장 (鞍裝) — saddle

안마 (鞍馬) — pommel horse (gymnastics apparatus)

Related characters:

馬 — horse

革 — leather

騎 — to ride a horse

鞭 — whip