戚

A phono-semantic compound:

戊 (무) — semantic component, originally related to weapons / axe-like tools

尗 (숙) — phonetic component, supplying the sound (척 / qī)

From the presence of 戊, it is inferred that 戚 originally referred to an axe or halberd-like weapon.

This concrete meaning was later phonetic-loaned to denote close kinship, likely via the idea of those bound together in warfare or clan defense.

To preserve the original meaning “axe,” a new character was later created:

鏚 — axe (金 added to specify metal)

Semantic development:

- weapon (axe) — original concrete meaning

- clan bond — those united by blood and arms

- kinship — relatives; family

- emotional closeness — intimacy, affection

The shift from weapon to kin reflects early social structures where family, clan, and military unity overlapped.

戚 appears mainly in fixed compounds, literary contexts, and classical usage.

Common compounds:

친척 (親戚) — relatives; kin

척족 (戚族) — relatives; kindred

척연 (戚緣) — kinship ties

골육지척 (骨肉之戚) — blood relatives

Extended usage:

척하다 — to be close; to treat as family (literary)

Related characters (kinship & closeness):

親 — close; parent; kin

族 — clan

家 — family; household

情 — feeling; affection

Among these, 戚 uniquely reflects kinship as a bond forged through shared origin and struggle.

慼 — “to worry; to grieve”

emotional closeness → shared sorrow

鏚 — “axe” (restores original concrete meaning)

Thus, 戚 functions as a semantic hub connecting weapon, kinship, and emotion.