現

Derived from 見 (to see), with semantic and phonetic extension:

見 (to see) – original base character;

玉 (jade, precious stone) – added element, reinforcing the sense of something visible, apparent, or manifest.

Originally, 見 had dual readings:

- as “to see”

- as “to make seen, to show.”

When carrying the second sense (to show), 玉 was appended, forming 現.

現 – to appear, to be present, to indicate the current, manifest, real (e.g., 현재 present time).

顯 – to be prominent, distinct, obvious. Both overlap in the sense of “to reveal,” but 顯 emphasizes clarity and distinction, while 現 emphasizes presence and actuality.

현상 (現象) – phenomenon

현재 (現在) – present time, now

출현 (出現) – appearance, emergence

구현 (具現) – realization, embodiment

현금 (現金) – cash (present, tangible money)