慘

Phono-semantic compound:

心 (heart, mind) – semantic, indicating feelings and emotions

參 (to participate, mixed, varied) – phonetic element

The character conveys emotions that are mixed and heavy in the heart, extending to sorrow, cruelty, and tragic severity.

Often used with strong emotional or moral weight, emphasizing extremity in suffering or cruelty.

慘酷 (참혹) – cruel, atrocious

悲慘 (비참) – miserable, pitiful

慘死 (참사) – tragic death

慘狀 (참상) – miserable condition, scene of tragedy

慘淡 (참담) – gloomy, miserable, devastating

In Shinjung Yuhap (新增類合, 1579), glossed as 셜울 참 (“grievous, sorrowful”).