唾

A phono-semantic compound composed of:

口 — semantic component meaning “mouth;”

垂 — phonetic component indicating the sound (타 / tuò).

The character originally described saliva coming from the mouth.

Semantic development:

- saliva in the mouth;

- the act of spitting;

- figuratively: contempt or disdain.

The meaning expanded from physical saliva to expressions of disgust or scorn.

唾 appears mainly in medical or classical vocabulary.

타액 (唾液) — saliva

침타 (唾) — saliva (classical usage)

The character is commonly used in the term 唾液, meaning saliva.

In literary expressions, 唾弃 means to treat with contempt, literally “to spit upon.”

Related characters:

口 — mouth

吐 — to spit; to vomit

液 — liquid

涎 — saliva; drool