佳

A phono-semantic compound composed of:

人 (person) — semantic component;

圭 — phonetic component supplying the sound (가 / jiā).

The character originally described a person who is admirable or excellent, leading to the meanings “beautiful” or “good.”

Semantic development:

- admirable person;

- beautiful appearance;

- excellent or fine quality;

- pleasant or favorable.

The meaning broadened from human beauty to general excellence or goodness.

佳 is frequently used in words describing beauty or excellence.

It is also commonly used in female given names because of its positive meaning.

가인 (佳人) — beautiful person; beauty

가작 (佳作) — fine work; excellent piece (of art or literature)

절세가인 (絶世佳人) — peerless beauty

佳 emphasizes refined beauty or excellence.

Related characters:

美 — beauty

好 — good; favorable

善 — good; virtuous

麗 — beautiful; elegant