討

A semantic compound:

言 (언) — speech, words, verbal action

寸 (촌) — hand action, measure, control

Together, they originally expressed the idea of using words to settle matters, demand accountability, or seek redress.

Original sense “to resolve an issue through words; to demand or obtain something by speaking”

Only later did the meaning extend to punitive action and military suppression, reflecting the authority-backed nature of such “demands.”

Semantic development:

- verbal demand / inquiry

- formal accusation or questioning

- punitive action backed by authority

- military suppression / expedition

This semantic shift explains why 討 today often implies force, even though its origin is verbal.

討論 (토론) — discussion; debate

討伐 (토벌) — punitive expedition; suppression

討議 (토의) — deliberation

討取 (토취) — to demand and obtain

討價 (토가) — to bargain (price negotiation)

Contrast with similar characters:

打 — to hit physically

伐 — to attack militarily

問 — to ask

責 — to blame, reproach

討 uniquely combines speech + authority-backed action.

討 does not originally mean “to strike physically.”

Physical violence is a secondary development, implied through authority and punishment, not direct bodily action.

Classical citations

《左傳》 (Zuo Zhuan)

「討其罪。」

“Punish him for his crimes.”

《後漢書》 (Book of the Later Han Dynasty)

「出師討賊。」

“Send out troops to suppress the rebels.”

《史記》 (Records of the Grand Historian)

「討而不服。」

“They were punished, yet did not submit.”