勇

Phono-semantic compound:

力 (“strength, power”) provides the semantic element.

甬 (phonetic, originally “a narrow passageway / plug”) supplies the sound.

Together they convey the idea of using strength with vigor and decisiveness, hence “brave, courageous.”

Semantic range:

- to be brave, courageous (용감하다);

- energetic, vigorous (기운차다);

- decisively bold, daring (대담하다).

勇氣 (용기) — courage, bravery

勇敢 (용감) — brave, valiant

勇士 (용사) — warrior, brave soldier

奮勇 (분용) — to exert oneself courageously

勇往直前 (용왕직전) — to march forward boldly without hesitation

In Confucian thought, 勇 is ranked among the five cardinal virtues (仁, 義, 禮, 智, 勇). However, Confucianism emphasizes that true courage must be tempered by righteousness (義); courage without morality is seen as recklessness.

Daoist texts sometimes contrast 勇 of the warrior with 柔 (softness, yielding) as the higher form of strength.

In Buddhism, 勇 (often written as 精進勇猛) describes the vigorous energy required on the path of practice.

勈 (U+52C8), 㦷 (U+39B7), 𢦨 (U+229A8), 恿 (U+607F)

㗈, 愑, 湧, 踴, 䞻