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The character '悛' is structured as a phono-semantic compound combining the heart radical (忄) with the phonetic component (夋), which suggests a connection to internal states and provides auditory guidance. Etymologically, the heart radical implies meanings related to emotion or conscience, while the phonetic element contributes to its sound. In early Chinese texts, '悛' was used to express the idea of repentance or reform, particularly in the context of ceasing immoral behavior. Its meaning later narrowed to focus specifically on moral correction, evident in classical idioms where it denotes amending one's faults.
Etymology Hide
