寥

A phono-semantic compound, consists of:

宀 (roof radical) — semantic component, suggests space, enclosure, or emptiness within a dwelling;

翏 — phonetic component, provides pronunciation "료 / liáo" and also carries a nuance of height or distance.

The combination expresses an empty and quiet space beneath a roof

and extended to loneliness or desolation.

寂寥 (적료) — loneliness; desolation

寥落 (요락/료락) — sparse; few and scattered

寥 emphasizes:

- emotional or spatial emptiness;

- quiet vastness;

- lonely stillness.

Related characters:

翏 — high; distant (phonetic source)

寂 — silent

落 — fall; decline

聊 — briefly; to chat (same phonetic family)