柳

A phono-semantic compound, consists of:

木 (tree) — semantic component, indicates a tree or plant;

卯 — phonetic component, supplies pronunciation "ryu / liǔ."

Thus the character originally means a specific type of tree — the willow.

수양버들 (垂楊柳) — weeping willow

류씨 (柳氏) — surname Ryu

Note on Korean surname:

Due to the two-initial rule (두음법칙), 柳 was historically written as 유 in official documents.

Clan associations maintained the traditional pronunciation 류, and after advocacy, official standards were revised to allow 류.

In Chinese poetry, 柳 symbolizes:

- farewell (branches given at departure);

- spring;

- softness and flexibility;

- feminine grace.

Because 柳 (liǔ) is homophonous with 留 (“to stay”), willow branches were traditionally given when parting to express the wish “Stay” or “Remember.”

柳 symbolizes flexibility rather than strength. It represents softness overcoming rigidity — a recurring Daoist theme.

Related characters:

楊 — poplar

松 — pine

梅 — plum

桃 — peach