繡

Phono-semantic compound:

糸 (가는 실 멱) — semantic component, indicating thread, weaving, or textile work.

肅 (엄숙할 숙) — phonetic component, providing the sound 수 and also a subtle semantic nuance of order, precision, or carefulness.

Thus 繡 depicts the precise, elegant working of thread, originally signifying fine embroidery.

Shuowen Jiezi (說文解字):

「繡，文章也。从糸，肅聲。」

“繡 means decorative patterns. Formed from 糸 (thread) with 肅 as the phonetic.”

This confirms the primary ancient meaning as “patterned or ornamental stitching.”

Semantic development

Original meaning — embroidery:

- decorative stitching on garments

- elaborate woven or embroidered designs

Extended meaning:

- ornate or beautiful patterns in general

- texts or images described as finely crafted

Figurative usage:

- elegant writing or speech

- refined literary style

Archaic usage:

- referring to certain types of fine silk (生綃)

Embroidery / decorative stitching:

刺繡(자수); 바늘로 무늬를 놓은 수놓기 — embroidery; stitched decorative designs

手繡(수수); 손으로 하는 수놓기 — hand embroidery

繡花(수화); 꽃무늬 수놓기 — embroidered flowers

繡服(수복); 수놓은 옷; 자수가 들어간 복식 — embroidered garment

Figurative literary usage:

錦繡文(금수문); 화려하고 아름다운 글 — writing of exquisite elegance; ornate literary style

繡辭(수사); 아름답게 꾸민 문장 — ornamental or florid expressions in writing

Archaic textile meaning:

生綃(생초; 생쇠); 가공하지 않은 비단의 한 종류 — raw silk; fine, untreated silk fabric

Rare, classical usage; sometimes associated with 繡 in old Korean glossaries.

《漢書·外戚傳》 (Book of Han)

「衣繡夜行，誰知之者？」

“To walk at night wearing embroidered garments—who will see you?” — Metaphor for unseen virtue or unrecognized talent.

《後漢書·輿服志》 (Book of the Later Han Dynasty)

「大繡為章。」

“Large embroidered designs were used as emblems” — Describes official court garments marked by embroidered insignia.

《文選·張衡〈西京賦〉》 (Wenxuan, Anthology of Literature)

「繡衣綺服，光采陸離。」

“Embroidered robes and patterned garments shimmer in shifting splendor.”

《太平御覽·服飾部》 (Taiping Yulan - Clothing Department)

「繡之為文，以飾其衣。」

“Embroidery creates patterns used to adorn clothing.”

These citations firmly ground the meaning as decorative needlework.