祈

祈 is a phono-semantic compound:

示 (altar, spirit, ritual) – semantic element, indicating prayer or religious rite;

斤 (geun, axe, blade) – phonetic element, lending the sound gi.

Thus, the character conveys the meaning “to pray or implore at the altar.”

Semantic range:

- to pray, entreat – 빌다, 기도하다.

- to wish or hope for – often used in expressions of blessings or well-wishes.

It has been consistently used across East Asian languages with the sense of prayer, entreaty, or supplication.

기도 (祈禱) – prayer

기원 (祈願) – wish, entreaty

기축 (祈祝) – prayer and blessing