殼

Phono-semantic compound:

殳 (weapon/cudgel radical) – semantic, giving the sense of an enclosing or protective outer layer.

壳 (shell, husk; phonetic element) – provides the sound.

The character depicts the concept of a hard outer layer that encloses and protects something inside.

Semantic range:

- outer shell of animals (e.g., turtle, crab);

- husks of seeds, eggshells;

- geological crusts or protective casings;

貝殼 (패각) – seashell

蛋殼 (단각) – eggshell

地殼 (지각) – earth’s crust

甲殼 (갑각) – carapace, shell of insects/crustaceans