絲

A compound ideograph formed by combining two 糸 (“fine thread”) components.

The duplication emphasizes the idea of many fine silk threads together, representing silk fibers used in weaving.

Semantic development:

- silk fiber;

- thread;

- thin strands or filaments;

- finely shredded food.

The core concept is something extremely thin and thread-like.

사직 (絲織) — silk weaving

사포 (絲布) — silk cloth

사선 (絲線) — silk thread

絲 is the original form representing silk thread, which became the radical used in many textile-related characters.

The character is also sometimes used in phonetic transcription of foreign names, especially feminine names beginning with the "s" sound.

Related characters:

糸 — thread (radical form)

絹 — silk fabric

綿 — cotton

織 — weaving

The forms of 糸 / 絲 vary historically:

A-type (糸) — used in Korea and Japan;

B-type (糹) — used in Taiwan and traditional Chinese typography.

In modern computing fonts:

Korea and Japan generally standardize A–A form;

Taiwan/Hong Kong often use B–A form;

Historically, many variations appeared in manuscripts depending on brush convenience.