救

Phono-semantic compound:

攴 (to strike, action with the hand/rod) – semantic, indicating action or intervention;

求 (to seek, to request) – phonetic element, providing the sound gu.

The character originally conveys to act in response to a plea for help – to intervene, deliver, or rescue.

Semantic range:

- to save, to rescue (from danger, drowning, illness, etc.);

- to aid, to help, to provide relief;

- figurative: to deliver, to redeem, to bring relief or remedy.

救援 (구원) – rescue, relief

救濟 (구제) – to aid, to provide relief

急救 (급구) – first aid, emergency rescue

自救 (자구) – self-rescue, saving oneself

救國 (구국) – saving the nation

The presence of 攴 emphasizes purposeful action, not just seeking. It highlights the idea of active intervention to save.

Related visually and phonetically to 求 (to seek), reinforcing the notion of responding to a request or dire need.