披

A phono-semantic compound:

手 (수) — semantic component, indicating hand action

皮 (피) — phonetic component, supplying the sound (피 / pī)

The original sense is using the hands to part or peel something open, much like separating a hide or skin. This concrete action extends naturally to opening, spreading, or revealing.

Semantic development:

- physical opening — to part or unfold with the hands

- wearing loosely — to drape clothing over the body

- revelation — to disclose information or facts

披 appears in both literal and figurative contexts, especially in formal or written styles.

Common compounds:

피개 (披開) — to open; to spread open

피복 (披服) — to put on clothing; to don

피로 (披露) — to disclose; to make public

피발 (披髮) — hair let loose (classical)

피문 (披文) — to read or open a text (classical)

Modern Mandarin patterns:

披着外套 — wearing a coat draped over oneself

披露真相 — to reveal the truth

Unlike 開 (to open generally), 披 emphasizes spreading apart or laying open.

Related characters (opening & spreading):

開 — open

展 — unfold; expand

揭 — lift; expose

剝 / 剥 — peel

露 — reveal

Among these, 披 combines manual spreading with revealing or draping.