械

A phono-semantic compound composed of:

木 — “wood,” indicating tools or constructed objects

戒 — phonetic element (gye / xiè / kai)

Originally, 械 referred broadly to constructed implements, especially wooden tools or devices, including weapons and restraints. It did not necessarily imply automation or engines.

Semantic development:

- tools and implements (especially wooden constructions)

- weapons or devices of restraint (classical texts)

- mechanical apparatus (pre-modern engineering)

- machines powered by mechanisms or engines (modern meaning)

The meaning gradually narrowed and specialized with technological development.

기계 (機械) — machine (powered mechanism)

기계체조 (器械體操) — artistic gymnastics (apparatus-based sport)

In modern Korean, 機械 is overwhelmingly dominant, while 器械 survives mainly in fixed terms.

機械 vs 器械:

機械 — powered machines

器械 — tools, instruments, apparatus

械 often conveys cold functionality, lacking intent or emotion.

In literature, it is frequently contrasted with human will, life, or spirit.

Mechanical dolls (機械人形) symbolize:

- loss of agency

- artificial imitation of life

- alienation in technological society

Related characters:

機 — mechanism; engine; opportunity; internal workings

器 — vessel; tool; capacity; container

具 — implement; equipment

工 — craft; engineering

兵 — weapon; soldier