憲

Phono-semantic compound composed of:

心 (마음 심) — semantic component, symbolizing moral feeling, conscience, or judgment.

害 (해할 해) — phonetic component (in a reduced form), giving the sound heon and contributing the sense of restraint or severity.

In the Shuowen Jiezi (說文解字), 憲 is explained as:

「憲，敏也。从心害聲。」

“憲 means alertness and discernment; formed from 心 and 害 (as sound).”

The ancient bronze form shows 害 (with its 口 replaced by 目) joined with 心, implying the eye and heart acting together to judge rightly.

Some interpretations see the upper radical as a large needle (大針) — symbolizing piercing scrutiny and moral discipline, hence “law.”

Thus, 憲 depicts the moral insight that discerns right from wrong, serving as both law and conscience.

憲法 (헌법) — constitution

立憲 (입헌) — constitutionalism; establishment of law

憲政 (헌정) — constitutional politics or government

違憲 (위헌) — unconstitutional

違反憲法 (위반헌법) — violation of constitution

憲令 (헌령) — edict or law

憲兵 (헌병) — military police

憲章 (헌장) — charter; formal declaration

紀憲 (기헌) — discipline; moral standard

憲臺 (헌대) — ancient office of censors (moral inspectors)

In modern usage, 憲 primarily appears in compounds referring to law, order, or moral governance.

The derivative noun 헌법 (憲法) remains one of its most important applications.

In ancient China, 憲 had moral as well as legal connotations.

It referred not merely to written law, but to the ideal of governance by righteousness (德治) guided by conscience (心).

The Book of Documents (書經) uses related terms to emphasize this link:

「立憲以明德。」

“Establish laws to manifest virtue.”

In Confucian tradition, 憲 also referred to upright officials who served as moral examples within government.

Thus the term 憲官 (헌관) meant “officer of virtue and law” — one responsible for maintaining ethical discipline among rulers and subjects alike.

In Buddhist texts, 憲 came to mean the standard of truth — a guiding principle of Dharma.

憲 unites eye (目), heart (心), and judgment (害) — symbolizing moral discernment that sees and feels justice.

It is the law of the heart (心之法) as much as the external law of society.

「心之所明，法之所立。」

“Where the heart is enlightened, the law is established.”

The imagery of a needle piercing the eye in ancient interpretation reflects strictness and precision, while the heart radical (心) emphasizes compassion and moral intent — balancing justice with humanity.

Thus, 憲 embodies the balance of law and virtue, discipline and conscience, judgment and mercy.