羨

A compound ideograph composed of:

羊 — sheep;

㳄 — the original form of 涎, meaning “saliva; to drool.”

The combination suggests “drooling over sheep (meat)”, symbolizing desiring something delicious or valuable.

In ancient China, sheep and mutton were relatively rare in many agricultural regions, so they were considered desirable foods, which helped shape the idea of envy or longing.

Semantic development:

- to desire something strongly;

- to envy what others possess;

- admiration mixed with longing.

The meaning developed from the idea of coveting desirable food to envying desirable possessions or qualities.

羨 is often associated with envy or admiration toward something desirable.

선망 (羨望) — envy; admiration

부선 (富羨) — wealth that others envy (rare, classical)

Related characters:

慕 — to admire; to long for

妬 — jealousy

欲 — desire

貪 — greed

These characters are related to desire, envy, or longing.

The second traditional Korean reading “무덤길 연” refers to a path leading to a grave, though this meaning is rare and mostly historical.