榮

Phono-semantic compound:

木 (tree, wood) – semantic, relating to plants/flowers.

𤇾 (dēngbǔ hyeong, lamp, flame) – phonetic element.

Original meaning: “flower.”

Extended meanings: honor, glory, prosperity—by analogy with blossoms in full bloom.

Semantic range:

- literal: blossoms, flowers in bloom;

- honor, distinction, fame;

- prosperity, flourishing life or career;

- used in names to convey dignity, beauty, and success.

榮華 (영화) – splendor, glory, prosperity

光榮 (광영) – honor, glory

榮譽 (영예) – distinction, honor

榮養 (영양) – nourishment, thriving

In names: common in both male and female given names.

• For males, often emphasizes honor, prosperity, flourishing.

• For females, can include both “flower” (original sense) and the extended “glorious, beautiful” meaning.

Not to be confused with 映 (영, to reflect/shine), which is the character used in “movie/film.”