呆

Originally derived from 保 (보) as an ancient form.

It can be interpreted as a pictographic form of a person (or child), suggesting simplicity or naivety, which later developed into the meaning foolish or dull.

It was also used as a simplified form of 獃 / 騃 — foolish; stupid.

Additionally, in medieval usage, a doubled form 槑 (呆+呆) was used for 梅 (plum), showing its varied historical roles.
Related characters: - simple or naive person; - foolish or dull; - blank or stunned mental state.

Rare in modern Korean vocabulary.

The character has multiple historical readings (매, 태, 보), but in modern usage meanings are context-dependent. In Chinese, it often describes a mental state (blank, dazed) rather than just intelligence. The unusual history explains its diverse pronunciations across languages.
Related characters: 保 — to protect (original form relation)

獃 — foolish

愚 — foolish