毆

It refers specifically to physical violence inflicted by hitting, often with the nuance of repeated or forceful blows.

Ф phono-semantic compound:

殳 (weapon; striking implement) — indicates the act of hitting or attacking

區 (district; boundary) — provides the sound value "gu"

Together, they convey the idea of using force or a weapon to strike someone.

Common in news reports, legal texts, and formal writing. Rare in everyday spoken language.

구타 (毆打) — beating; battery

구상 (毆傷) — assault causing injury

구행 (毆行) — act of beating (legal / archaic)

Example (legal style):

폭행 또는 구타(毆打) — “assault or battery”

毆 is stronger and more physical than other “hit” verbs:

打 — to hit, to strike (general)

擊 — to strike forcefully, attack

殴 / 毆 — violent beating, assault

攻 — to attack (military/strategic)

毆 emphasizes violence, often with legal or moral weight.

In classical texts, 毆 is used primarily to describe acts of violence, punishment, or unlawful assault. It does not carry metaphorical meanings such as “verbal attack” (which are expressed with 言-based characters).