贊

A phono-semantic compound, though sometimes interpreted as compound ideograph.

Two major traditional forms historically existed:

贊 — assistance / approval;

讚 — praise (explicitly with 言 “speech” radical).

Structure explanation (common interpretation):

貝 (wealth / value) — semantic component;

兟 (신) — phonetic component.

Alternative interpretation sees the structure as expressing "advancing and presenting something valuable" that is, to support or praise.

Originally meant "to assist or support someone of higher status."

The form 讚 (with 言) emphasized verbal praise.

Semantic development:

- to assist;

- to support publicly;

- to praise;

- to acclaim.

찬성 (贊成) — approval

찬동 (贊同) — agreement

찬미 (讚美) — praise

절찬 (絶賛 / 絶讚) — high praise

贊 conveys:

- active support;

- public approval;

- recognition of value.

Originally connected to offering something of value (貝), it evolved into "giving value through praise or endorsement."

Modern digital culture extends this idea:

“点赞” (to like) = symbolic approval.

Related characters:

贊 — endorse / approve

讚 — verbally praise

稱 — commend

美 — admire beauty

譽 — reputation

輔 — assist structurally

助 — help practically

賞 — reward / commend

贊 (U+8D0A) — Classical traditional

讚 (U+8B9A) — Traditional (with 言 radical)