漸

A phono-semantic compound combining:

水 (물 수) — the semantic element indicating water or flow.

斬 (벨 참) — the phonetic component providing sound (jiàn / jeom).

The original sense, “name of a river” (Qiantang River), derives from the semantic association with flowing water. Over time, the meaning expanded from literal water movement to gradual transformation, influenced by the continuous and imperceptible way water erodes and reshapes.

Thus, 漸 came to represent progressive change or steady movement, both physically and metaphorically.

점점 (漸漸) — gradually, increasingly

점차 (漸次) — step by step, in sequence

점진 (漸進) — gradual progress

점입 (漸入) — gradual entry or immersion

This character is often used adverbially or as part of compound nouns and verbs indicating steady progress or slow change, contrasting with sudden or abrupt transitions.

In East Asian philosophy, 漸 embodies the principle of imperceptible transformation — the natural, harmonious unfolding of things in accordance with time.

This reflects Daoist and Confucian ideals of moderation and steady cultivation, opposing haste and sudden upheaval.

In Buddhist contexts, 漸 appears in terms like 漸修 (gradual cultivation), contrasting with 頓悟 (sudden enlightenment) — expressing two complementary paths to realization.

Water, as represented by the radical 氵, symbolizes patience, persistence, and adaptability — the qualities through which gradual change leads to deep transformation.