慰

Phono-semantic compound composed of:

心 (마음 심) — semantic component, representing the heart and emotions.

尉 (벼슬 위) — phonetic component, providing the sound wi and implying stability, restraint, or pacification.

Together they depict “calming or soothing the heart,” symbolizing comfort that restores emotional balance and inner peace.

安慰 (안위) — to comfort; consolation; reassurance

慰勞 (위로) — to console and encourage; to recognize one’s effort

慰問 (위문) — to express sympathy; to visit and comfort

慰籍 (위적) — solace; emotional relief

慰藉 (위자) — consolation; soothing comfort

慰靈 (위령) — to console spirits of the dead; memorial offering

慰撫 (위무) — to comfort and pacify (esp. in governance or military)

慰安 (위안) — peace of mind; comfort

慰留 (위류) — to persuade someone to stay; to comfort into remaining

In ancient Chinese, 慰 initially described the feeling of being calmed or made peaceful, particularly after distress.

Later, the meaning shifted toward actively giving comfort to others — emotional, moral, or ceremonial consolation.

In Confucian ethics, 慰 became a key concept in social and familial relationships - the duty of comforting parents, rulers, or friends during hardship — an act of 仁 (benevolence) and 孝 (filial devotion).

「以言慰人，仁之施也。」

“To comfort others with words is an expression of benevolence.”

During times of war or mourning, 慰 was used in phrases like 慰問軍士 (위문군사) — to visit and comfort soldiers — and 慰靈祭 (위령제) — memorial rites for the dead.

These meanings still persist in modern usage, including 위문(慰問) and 위안(慰安).

The older sense of “peaceful, cozy, or at ease” appears in early texts such as the Book of Songs (詩經), where it described a tranquil, contented heart.

慰 symbolizes emotional healing through empathy.

It represents the gentle power of understanding and compassion that calms inner turmoil and restores balance to the heart.

Where punishment (懲) corrects through discipline, 慰 heals through warmth and care — both serving moral restoration in complementary ways.

「慰人之心，勝於金玉之贈。」

“To comfort another’s heart is worth more than gifts of gold and jade.”

It thus signifies the act of bringing peace through kindness — comfort that does not erase sorrow but shares and lightens it.

慰 teaches the value of compassionate strength — the quiet ability to lift others through presence and understanding.

True consolation lies not in words alone, but in sincerity of heart.

「慰之以誠，心自安。」

“When comfort is given with sincerity, hearts find peace.”

Thus, 慰 stands as a character of healing, empathy, and tranquility — a reminder that gentleness, when rooted in sincerity, can restore harmony where pain once dwelt.