診

Phono-semantic compound:

言 (언, “speech, words”) — semantic, indicating inquiry, communication, or description through words.

㐱 (진, “숱 많고 검을 진”) — phonetic, providing the sound 진 and implying “careful observation or insight.”

Originally, the character depicted questioning and interpreting (言) a person’s condition (㐱), hence “to diagnose by speaking or inquiring.”

진찰(診察) — medical examination, check-up

진단(診斷) — diagnosis, assessment of a condition

진상(診相) — examining the appearance or condition

진별(診別) — distinguishing between similar symptoms

In ancient Chinese medicine, 診 was one of the “Four Diagnostic Methods” (四診) — 望 (observation), 聞 (listening/smelling), 問 (asking), and 切 (feeling the pulse) — described in classical texts like the 黃帝內經 (Huangdi Neijing).

診 therefore embodies not only verbal inquiry but also discernment through language and perception, aligning with the Confucian ideal of understanding through attentive communication.

In Korean medical terminology, 診 remains foundational in compound terms such as 진료(診療) (medical treatment) and 진단서(診斷書) (medical report).