恣

A phono-semantic compound:

心 (heart) — indicates mental state, emotion, intention

次 (phonetic) — provides pronunciation (ja / zì)

The core idea of 恣 is the heart acting without restraint. Unlike neutral “freedom,” 恣 implies:

- lack of self-control

- disregard for norms, limits, or propriety

Thus, from early on, the word leaned toward moral criticism rather than praise.

In Korean, 恣 almost always appears in negative evaluative compounds.

방자 (放恣) — insolent; unrestrained

자의 (恣意) — arbitrary; willful

자행 (恣行) — to act recklessly

恣 specifically emphasizes inner willfulness rather than external freedom.

Related characters (semantic comparison):

縱 — to let loose; to indulge (often physical or political)

放 — to release; to let go (more neutral)

肆 — unrestrained; recBuddhist and philosophical contextkless (stronger, more extreme)

任 — to entrust; to leave to (can be neutral or positive)

Semantic contrast:

恣 — unrestrained desire or intention (often blameworthy)

自由 — freedom (neutral or positive)

放縱 — indulgence with loss of discipline

任意 — arbitrary, often procedural or technical

In Classical Chinese, 恣 is frequently used to criticize rulers, officials, or individuals who act arbitrarily or indulgently.

Typical classical expressions:

恣意 — acting willfully

恣情 — indulging emotions

恣行 — behaving without restraint

Classical-style examples:

恣其所欲 — to indulge whatever one desires

恣而不制 — to act freely without restraint

In Confucian texts, 恣 often appears in contrast with 節 (restraint) or 禮 (ritual propriety).

In Buddhist texts, 恣 is associated with uncontrolled desire:

放恣 — indulgence; moral laxity

恣欲 — indulging craving

Such usage aligns 恣 with mental defilements that obstruct enlightenment.

滋 — to grow; to nourish (phonetic relation only)

姿 — appearance; posture (shares phonetic component 次)