碎

A phono-semantic compound composed of:

石 (stone) — semantic component, indicates hard material, emphasizing physical breaking;

卒 (to finish; soldier) — phonetic component, supplies the sound "sui" and contributes a sense of completion or finality.

The original image conveys stone being broken thoroughly into small pieces, highlighting not just breaking, but reduction into fragments.

The meanings of 碎 developed from concrete to abstract:

- physical shattering — stones, glass, objects broken into small pieces;

- fragmented state — scattered, not whole;

- mental or emotional exhaustion (figurative) — “worn down,” “shattered” in spirit or focus;

This extension preserves the core idea: loss of wholeness through force or pressure.

The character is common in technical, literary, and emotional descriptions.

Physical:

분쇄 (粉碎) — to pulverize; to smash

파쇄 (破碎) — fragmentation; shattering

부서지다 / 깨지다 — broken (state)

Abstract / figurative:

마음이 부서지다 / 심신이 파쇄되다 — emotionally shattered

시간이 잘게 쪼개지다 — time fragmented

碎 emphasizes degree: not merely broken, but broken into many small pieces.

Often contrasted with:

破 — to break (general)

裂 — to split or tear

In figurative use, 碎 suggests irreversibility or deep impact.

Related characters:

破 — break; destroy

裂 — split; tear

粉 — powder

毀 — destroy

殘 — broken; damaged remains

Among these, 碎 most strongly conveys complete fragmentation into small pieces.

Classical-style usage:

粉身碎骨 — “to be smashed to powder and bones broken” (utter destruction or total sacrifice)

心神破碎 — “the spirit shattered”