謀

Phono-semantic compound composed of:

言 (말씀 언) — semantic component, meaning “speech,” “to say,” or “to deliberate.”

某 (아무 모) — phonetic component, providing the sound mo (모) and implying something indefinite, “a certain thing” — suggesting thought concealed or unnamed.

Together, they signify “speech concerning a certain plan or intention”, i.e., deliberation, plotting, or counsel.

陰謀 (음모) — secret plot; conspiracy

計謀 (계모) — plan; stratagem

謀略 (모략) — strategy; cunning plan

謀事 (모사) — to plan affairs

謀反 (모반) — rebellion; treason

共謀 (공모) — to conspire together

密謀 (밀모) — to plot in secret

謀求 (모구) — to seek; to pursue a goal

謀生 (모생) — to make a living

圖謀 (도모) — to scheme; to attempt (often ambitious or covert)

謀士 (모사) — strategist; military adviser (esp. in historical context)

謀議 (모의) — to consult; to deliberate together

In ancient Chinese culture, 謀 denoted strategic thought, political counsel, and military planning.

It was a central virtue of the statesman and general — but also a potential vice of the intriguer.

In Confucianism, 謀 often refers to right deliberation guided by morality and wisdom:

「謀於義者昌，謀於利者亡。」

“He who plans by righteousness prospers; he who plans by profit perishes” — Mencius (孟子).

In The Art of War (孫子兵法), 謀 denotes strategic calculation and forethought before action:

「凡謀之道，靜以治動，陰以治陽。」

“The method of strategy is to govern motion by stillness, and to govern the open by the hidden.”

During the Three Kingdoms (三國) era, 謀士 (“strategist”) became a title of high repute — wise advisers like 諸葛亮 (Zhuge Liang) or 荀彧 (Xun Yu) embodied the moral form of 謀, where intellect served virtue.

Yet in later literature, 陰謀 (dark plotting) became the negative sense — the cleverness of deceit.

謀 embodies intellect, foresight, and deliberation — the art of thinking before acting.

Its dual nature reveals both the light of wisdom and the shadow of cunning: planning can create order or breed deceit, depending on motive.

「謀者，慮也。」

“To plan is to consider deeply” — Shuowen Jiezi (說文解字).

Thus, 謀 symbolizes the power of thought and speech united — wisdom applied through counsel.

When guided by righteousness (義), it becomes strategy; when driven by desire (利), it becomes intrigue.

謀 teaches that wisdom lies not in having a plan, but in having a just one.

True strategy harmonizes foresight with moral clarity.

「善謀者，不謀於利，而謀於義。」

“The good planner does not plot for gain, but for righteousness.”

Therefore, 謀 stands as the character of intelligent deliberation and moral planning — a reminder that every act begins first as an idea, and that the nobility of the plan defines the worth of the deed.