慧

Phono-semantic compound:

心 (마음 심) — semantic component, indicating the mind, thought, or feeling

彗 (살별 혜, broom star/comet) — phonetic component, providing the sound

The comet radical 彗, with its sweeping imagery, was later connected metaphorically to clarity of mind, reinforcing the idea of “penetrating wisdom.”

智慧 (지혜) — wisdom, intelligence

慧眼 (혜안) — discerning eye, insight

慧黠 (혜힐) — cleverness, shrewdness

慧心 (혜심) — wise heart, compassion with wisdom

大慧 (대혜) — great wisdom (often Buddhist context)

Cognate with 譿 (also pronounced 혜, meaning "wise").

Frequently used in female given names in Korea (e.g., 지혜, 은혜, 선혜).

In Japan, 慧 can also be read Satoshi (さとし) as a male name, in contrast to Korean usage.

Contrasts with 惠 (은혜 혜), which means “favor, grace,” though both share phonetic overlap.