肝

Phono-semantic compound:

肉 (육, “meat, flesh”) – indicates the meaning, something related to the body or an organ

干 (간, “shield”) – provides the sound (gan)

The character originally referred to the liver, one of the most important internal organs in ancient Chinese medicine and physiology.

By extension, 肝 came to mean:

- one’s true heart

- deep sincerity

- loyalty or devotion

This semantic extension reflects ancient beliefs that the liver was the seat of emotions and life force.

간장 (肝臟) — liver (organ)

간담 (肝膽) — sincerity, courage

충간 (忠肝) — loyal heart

肝 symbolizes life, emotion, and sincerity, not merely a biological organ.

Often paired with:

膽 (gallbladder) for courage

心 (heart) for emotion

Compared with:

心 — emotional mind

膽 — bravery

腸 — deep emotional pain

In East Asian medicine 肝 is associated with:

- the wood element

- emotions such as anger

- regulation of qi and blood

Considered a vital organ governing life energy.

In classical literature 肝 often appears metaphorically to express:

- heartfelt loyalty

- deep emotional pain

- devotion unto death

Examples:

肝膽 — liver and gallbladder; absolute sincerity

肝腸寸斷 — “liver and intestines severed,” meaning extreme grief