孝

Formed from 耂 (old, aged) above and 子 (child) below.

The character depicts the relationship between an elder (parent/ancestor) and a child, signifying the duty of the younger to care for and respect the elder.

Semantic range:

- filial piety, respect and devotion toward parents and ancestors (효도);

- mourning, mourning attire after the death of a parent (상복);

- eldest son or child, as the primary bearer of filial duty.

효도 (孝道) — filial piety, duty to parents

불효 (不孝) — lack of filial piety, disobedience to parents

효자 (孝子) — filial son, devoted child

효녀 (孝女) — filial daughter

효심 (孝心) — filial devotion, heart of respect for parents

In Confucianism, 孝 (filial piety) is one of the cardinal virtues and the foundation of moral order. Respect for parents and ancestors was seen as the root of loyalty to the state and harmony in society. Mourning rites (wearing 孝服) after a parent’s death were also considered an essential expression of 孝.