奮

A compound ideograph:

隹 (추) — bird; symbol of movement and vitality

田 (전) — field; open ground

The original image depicts a bird vigorously flapping its wings over an open field, conveying energetic motion and forceful action.

This vivid physical image developed semantically into “to shake off inertia and strive forward”, hence to exert oneself or to be roused.

Semantic development:

- vigorous movement — flapping wings, physical exertion

- emotional arousal — excitement, agitation

- moral or mental effort — determination, striving

奮 appears frequently in formal, motivational, and written contexts.

Common compounds:

분발 (奮發) — to make a determined effort; to strive

흥분 (興奮) — excitement; arousal

격분 (激奮) — to be stirred to anger or fervor

자기분발 (自己奮發) — self-motivation

Set phrases:

분기탱천 (奮氣撐天) — spirits soaring high (literary)

용기백배로 분발하다 — to rise up with renewed courage

Unlike 勉 (to urge) or 努 (to strive), 奮 emphasizes inner arousal leading to outward action.

Related characters (effort & motivation):

努 — strive; exert effort

勉 — encourage; make effort

振 — shake; invigorate

興 — rise; flourish

激 — stimulate; arouse

Among these, 奮 captures the image of energy bursting forth after restraint.