鬱

Compound ideograph with phonetic influence (complex structure).

Originally connected with the idea of:

- dense, flourishing vegetation;

- thick growth blocking light.

Primary early meaning "lush, thick, flourishing forest."

Semantic development:

- luxuriant / lush;

- thick and dark;

- stagnant / blocked;

- emotional depression.

울창 (鬱蒼) — thick and luxuriant

우울 (憂鬱) — depression; melancholy

울적 (鬱積) — emotional accumulation

鬱 conveys:

- density;

- obstruction;

- emotional pressure.

Its evolution from "thick forest growth" to "psychological heaviness" beautifully illustrates how Chinese characters often move from concrete nature imagery to abstract emotional states.

Among commonly used characters, one of the most complex.