瞑

A phono-semantic compound consisting of:

目 (eye) — semantic component, indicates relation to vision;

冥 (dark) — phonetic component, supplying the sound (명 / míng), reinforces both sound and the idea of darkness when eyes are closed.

The original image suggests “eyes entering darkness.”

Semantic development:

- to close the eyes;

- darkness of vision;

- death (closing one’s eyes permanently);

- meditation (closing eyes in contemplation).

The semantic link between darkness and closed eyes is central.

In Korean, 瞑 appears mostly in classical or literary vocabulary.

명목 (瞑目) — to close one’s eyes (often meaning “to die peacefully”)

사명목 (死瞑目) — to die with eyes closed (figurative: to have no regrets)

瞑 emphasizes voluntary closing of the eyes rather than sleep itself. It frequently appears in Buddhist or contemplative vocabulary.

Conveys solemn or peaceful nuance in literary contexts.

Related characters:

冥 — dark; obscure

眠 — sleep

閉 — to close

目 — eye