篩

A phono-semantic compound consisting of:

竹 (bamboo) — semantic component, indicating a tool often made from bamboo;

師 (shī) — phonetic component, providing the sound.

The structure reflects a bamboo-made implement used for sifting, which was common in traditional societies.

Semantic development:

- bamboo tool;

- device for separating particles;

- action of sifting;

- abstract filtering (selection, screening).

Thus, 篩 evolved from physical tool to abstract process of selection.

In Korean, 篩 is generally replaced by native words like 체, and appears mostly in specialized or classical contexts.

Traditional sieves were often made of bamboo, reflected in the radical 竹.

In modern Chinese, the meaning extends metaphorically to screening information, candidates, or data.

Compared to 濾, which focuses on liquids, 篩 is more associated with solid materials.

The character illustrates how everyday tools become metaphors for selection and refinement.

Related characters:

濾 — to filter (liquid)

選 — to choose; to select

分 — to divide

淘 — to wash and separate

Among these, 篩 emphasizes mechanical separation, especially by shaking or filtering.