雰

A phono-semantic compound composed of:

雨 (rain; precipitation) — semantic component, indicates weather phenomena involving falling particles;

分 (to divide; to disperse) — phonetic component, supplies the sound "bun / fēn" and contributes the idea of scattering or dispersal.

The structure vividly suggests precipitation dispersed into small, floating particles, matching the image of drifting snow.

Meanings expanded metaphorically:

- snow scattering — fine particles in motion;

- floating mist-like effect — dispersed atmospheric phenomena;

- diffuse mood or ambiance — atmosphere that feels light or suspended.

Used mainly in classical or poetic contexts to describe fine, floating, scattered elements.

눈이 분분히 날리다 (雰雰) — snow flurries

雪雰 — drifting snow (literary)

雰 emphasizes fine dispersion, unlike:

雪 — snow (general)

霧 — fog (continuous vapor)

It describes particles in motion, not a settled state.

Related characters:

雪 — snow

霧 — fog

雨 — rain

氛 — atmosphere; aura

分 — divide; disperse

Among these, 雰 captures light, drifting precipitation, especially snow in motion.

Classical / literary usage:

雪雰滿天 — “Snow flurries fill the sky”

寒風卷雰 — “Cold wind sweeps the drifting snow”