鍼

A phono-semantic compound composed of:

金 (metal) — semantic component, indicates a metal object, especially a crafted tool;

咸 (all; to affect) — phonetic component, supplies the sound "ham/xim" and contributes an older phonological value reflected in historical readings.

The character denotes a fine metal implement, originally emphasizing function rather than size.

In Korean Hanja usage, 鍼 is reserved for acupuncture, while 針 is the ordinary “needle.”

Traditional medicine:

침술 (鍼術) — acupuncture

침구 (鍼灸) — acupuncture and moxibustion

구침 (九鍼) — the nine classical acupuncture needles

鍼 emphasizes precision, technique, and therapeutic intent.

The character belongs to a group where functional specialization, not shape, determines meaning.

This makes 鍼 a good example of domain-based semantic narrowing.

Although both 鍼 and 針 can mean “needle,” their functional domains diverged:

鍼

- specialized, technical

- medical / therapeutic usage

- acupuncture instruments

針

- general-purpose needle

- sewing, pinning, everyday use

This division is preserved clearly in Korean and Japanese, but collapsed in modern Chinese, where 針 is used for both senses.

Related characters:

針 — needle (general)

金 — metal

刀 — blade; cutting tool

灸 — moxibustion

醫 — medicine; physician

Among these, 鍼 denotes a therapeutic instrument, not merely a physical object.

Classical / medical usage:

九鍼之法 — “the methods of the nine needles”

以鍼通經 — “to open the meridians with acupuncture”