恭

A phono-semantic compound composed of:

心 (heart) — semantic component, indicating inner attitude or emotion

共 (together; to share) — phonetic component and semantic reinforcement

The original sense conveys a heart that is held together, restrained, and properly aligned, suggesting controlled behavior, humility, and reverence toward others.

Core meanings:

- respectful

- courteous; polite

- reverent; deferential

- to show respect in attitude and conduct

공손 (恭遜) — courteous; modest and respectful

공경 (恭敬) — reverence; deep respect

공례 (恭禮) — respectful rites

근공 (謹恭) — careful and respectful

恭 represents inward restraint and reverence expressed through controlled conduct.

Unlike polite behavior that is merely external, 恭 emphasizes:

- inner attitude (心)

- humility

- respect rooted in self-discipline

In Confucian thought, 恭 is a moral posture, not a social performance.

Related characters:

敬 — reverence; respect

遜 / 巽 — humility; yielding

禮 / 礼 — ritual propriety

謹 — careful; respectful

讓 / 譲 — to yield; defer

Classical citations:

Analects (論語 8.2)

「恭而無禮則勞」

“Courtesy without propriety is mere drudgery.”

This passage shows that 恭 must be balanced with 禮 (ritual propriety) to be virtuous.

Book of Rites (禮記)

「恭近於禮」

“Reverence draws one close to propriety.”

Here, 恭 is presented as an inner moral posture that supports correct external behavior.

In Buddhist texts, 恭 often appears in expressions such as:

恭敬合掌 — respectfully joining the palms

恭敬供養 — reverent offering

In this context, 恭 emphasizes humility before the Dharma and the Buddha, not social hierarchy.