嶄

A phono-semantic compound consisting of:

山 (mountain) — semantic component, clearly relates to terrain or height;

斬 — phonetic component, supplying the sound (참 / zhǎn).

The original sense likely referred to sharply rising, steep mountain slopes — hence “towering” or “lofty.”

Semantic development:

- steep mountain;

- towering height;

- striking prominence;

- outstanding or innovative (figurative).

The metaphor from physical elevation to excellence is common in classical Chinese.

참신 (嶄新) — brand-new; novel

Note: In modern Korean, this word is written 斬新, though 嶄新 is historically connected in Chinese.

嶄 emphasizes sharp, steep prominence.

Classical poetry often used 嶄 to describe dramatic mountain scenery.

Later, figurative expressions extended it to intellectual or creative excellence.

In modern usage, 嶄 / 崭 frequently appears in the word “brand new.”

Related characters:

山 — mountain

高 — tall; high

峻 — steep; severe

斬 — to cut (phonetic element)