斟

A phono-semantic compound consisting of:

斗 (measuring ladle; dipper) — semantic component, relates to measuring grain or liquid with a ladle;

甚 — phonetic component, supplying the sound (짐 / zhēn).

Thus, the original image is of carefully measuring or pouring — which naturally led to the figurative meaning of “careful consideration.”

Semantic development:

- to ladle or measure liquid carefully;

- to pour wine ceremonially;

- to weigh options carefully;

- to deliberate or consider.

The semantic shift from physical measuring to mental evaluation is a classic example of metaphorical extension.

짐작 (斟酌) — to guess; to consider carefully

참작 (參酌) — to take into consideration

작심 (酌斟) — rare, classical inversion

Related characters:

酌 — to pour wine; to deliberate

量 — to measure

斗 — measuring dipper

酎 — aged wine

Among these, 斟 and 酌 are frequently paired (斟酌) to emphasize careful judgment.

Classical citations:

《詩經》 (The Book of Songs)

「斟酌既盈」

“Pouring and filling the cups.”

Later literary usage:

「當斟酌情理」

“One must carefully weigh reason and circumstance.”