額

Formed as a phono-semantic compound combining:

頁 (머리 혈) — representing the head or face; the semantic indicator;

客 (손 객) — providing the phonetic element (é / 액).

The combination originally depicted the front part of the head, symbolizing the face’s upper section.

From this literal sense, the meaning broadened to any uppermost surface or inscription area, such as a nameplate or signboard, and later to a fixed numerical value or official limit.

이마 (額) — literal “forehead”

액수 (額數) — numerical amount or sum of money

정액 (定額) — fixed quota or rate

편액 (扁額) — a framed inscription hung over a gate or hall (common in temples and palaces)

Used in both physical and administrative senses — from the forehead of a person to the headline or quota of an institution.

In architecture and calligraphy, 額 often refers to the inscribed plaque (편액 / 扁額) placed above palace gates, temple halls, or official buildings — considered the “forehead” of the structure.

The act of bestowing a 扁額 (framed inscription) was an imperial honor, conferring prestige and authority.

Metaphorically, 額 also came to mean a defining surface — the part of something that bears identity or recognition (as the forehead does for the face).

In administrative and economic language, it denotes fixed limits — such as tax quotas, budget ceilings, or numeric targets — reinforcing its extended meaning of “a determined measure.”