窓

窓 is a phono-semantic compound composed of:

穴 (구멍 혈) — semantic component, representing a hole, cave, or opening.

悤 (바쁠 총) (simplified here as 厶 + 心) — phonetic component, giving the sound chuāng and suggesting movement or passage.

Originally, the graph illustrated an opening in a wall that reveals inner space — symbolically connecting the physical hole (穴) with the inner mind or heart (心).

The presence of 心 (heart) in its form gave rise to poetic associations between the window and the soul, leading to metaphors such as “the window of the heart (心窓).”

窓戶 (창호) — windows and doors; household apertures

書窓 (서창) — study window; by extension, a scholar’s study

窓邊 (창변) — by the window

窓外 (창외) — outside the window; external view

窓口 (창구) — window counter (modern administrative sense)

In early Chinese architecture, 窓 referred to a small carved opening in wooden or earthen walls, often covered by paper, silk, or lattice.

It symbolized the link between interior and exterior, mediating light, air, and vision.

「開窓納明」 — To open the window and receive brightness.

A frequent metaphor for enlightenment or intellectual clarity.

In classical poetry, 窓 evokes scenes of solitude, study, and longing — the scholar reading beside the window, or gazing outward in reflection.

Common poetic images include:

書窓夜雨 — “Rain at night against the study window.”

月照寒窓 — “Moonlight shining upon the cold window.”

心窓明月 — “A bright moon illuminating the window of the heart” — representing inner peace or purity of thought.

In modern East Asian languages, 窓 has extended to denote ticket or service windows (e.g., 窓口 “counter”), keeping the idea of an interface or opening for communication.

窗 — common form in Simplified Chinese and modern Japanese (Shinjitai).

窻 — ancient variant.

All share the same etymological origin and meaning.