恩

Phono-semantic compound:

心 (heart, mind) – semantic, indicating feelings of gratitude and benevolence.

因 (cause, basis; phonetic) – provides the sound.

The character originally expressed a heartfelt sense of indebtedness or kindness received.

Semantic range:

- grace, favor, kindness, benevolence;

- benefaction received from parents, rulers, or heaven;

- gratitude, indebtedness, moral obligation to return kindness;

- figurative: deep emotional bond or sense of duty arising from beneficence.

恩惠 (은혜) – favor, kindness, grace

感恩 (감은) – gratitude, thankfulness

恩人 (은인) – benefactor, savior

恩愛 (은애) – deep affection, tender love

報恩 (보은) – repay kindness, requite grace

In Confucian ethics, 恩 is central to filial piety (孝): one must return the恩 of parents and ancestors.

In Buddhist contexts, it often denotes gratitude toward Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha, as well as the “Four Great Graces” (四恩) — kindness of parents, sentient beings, rulers, and the Three Jewels.

恩 frequently appears in historical and literary texts to denote the ruler’s grace or imperial favor.