纏

Signifies being wound or entangled, both in the literal sense (threads, ropes, garments) and in the figurative sense (attachments, troubles, emotions).

It expresses ideas of binding, surrounding, or being caught up in — physically, mentally, or spiritually.

Phono-semantic compound composed of:

糸 (가는실 멱) — semantic component, meaning “thread,” symbolizing binding, weaving, or connection.

廛 (가게 전) — phonetic component, providing the sound jeon and implying a place of accumulation or enclosure, fitting the idea of things gathering or coiling together.

Together, the character depicts threads (糸) wound densely within an enclosure (廛) — the image of entanglement or close wrapping.

纏綿 (전면) — entangled; lingering (esp. emotions or affection)

纏繞 (전요) — to wind around; to twist; to enwrap

糾纏 (규전) — to tangle; to be entangled in conflict or obsession

牽纏 (견전) — to be involved; to be emotionally bound

糾纏不清 (규전불청) — to be hopelessly entangled or confused

纏足 (전족) — foot-binding (old Chinese custom)

纏身 (전신) — to be entangled around the body; to be burdened

纏縛 (전박) — to tie tightly; to bind

纏綿悱惻 (전면비측) — deeply tender and sorrowful; emotionally lingering

In its earliest appearances, 纏 described the winding of silk threads, an everyday activity that became a metaphor for emotional or social entanglement.

In literature, it often conveys attachment that cannot be easily undone — whether love, grief, or obsession.

「情絲纏綿，難以解脫。」

“The threads of affection are entangled — impossible to untie.”

In Buddhist philosophy, 纏 (전, Sanskrit: kleśa) came to represent mental afflictions or attachments that bind beings to the cycle of suffering (saṃsāra).

This sense appears in compounds like:

煩惱纏 (번뇌전) — mental defilements that cling and bind the mind

愛纏 (애전) — bondage of attachment or craving

Thus, 纏 in spiritual writing symbolizes the web of worldly entanglements that must be transcended for liberation.

纏 embodies the dual nature of connection — it can bind in love or trap in attachment, unite or ensnare.

Threads (糸) signify relationships, while entanglement represents the complexity of human emotion and desire.

What connects us also constrains us; what holds us warm may also hold us captive.

「纏而不解，情之深也。」

“When one cannot untangle, it is because the feeling runs deep.”

纏 teaches the lesson of balance between attachment and freedom.

Affection, duty, or thought can become binding when held too tightly.

To weave connection without ensnaring oneself is the wisdom of living gently.

「放下則解纏，執著則自縛。」

“Let go, and the knot loosens; cling, and you bind yourself.”

Thus, 纏 stands as a character of entanglement and affection, a reminder that every bond, like a thread, must be held with care — firm enough to connect, yet loose enough to breathe.