搖

A phono-semantic compound:

手 (수) — semantic component, indicating manual action

䍃 (요) — phonetic component, supplying the sound (요 / yáo)

The character originally denoted an object being shaken by hand, emphasizing back-and-forth motion rather than rotation or impact.

Semantic development:

- manual shaking — moving something back and forth

- natural oscillation — swaying, rocking

- psychological instability — wavering, unrest

搖 is used for physical motion and metaphorical instability, with the core sense remaining consistent.

Common compounds:

동요 (動搖) — shaking; wavering; disturbance

요동 (搖動) — oscillation; agitation

요람 (搖籃) — cradle (that rocks)

요선 (搖船) — rocking boat

Figurative usage:

마음이 흔들리다 (心搖) — to be emotionally shaken

여론이 요하다 (輿論搖하다) — public opinion wavers

Unlike 振 (to shake forcefully) or 震 (earthquake-like shaking), 搖 emphasizes gentle or continuous sway.

Related characters (shaking & motion):

振 — to shake vigorously

震 — quake; tremor

動 — move

晃 — shimmer; sway lightly

Among these, 搖 uniquely centers on repeated, pendulum-like motion.