About
The character 悛 is a phono-semantic compound consisting of the semantic radical 忄 (heart/mind) and the phonetic 夋. Because the radical relates to the heart and mind, it categorizes the character as dealing with internal emotions and mental states, distinguishing it from words for physical actions. The meaning is to repent, reform, or fundamentally change one's ways after realizing a mistake, a profound inner transformation. The radical's emotional and cognitive implications are central to conveying this psychological shift required for true repentance. The phonetic component 夋 indicates only the pronunciation, without adding to the moral or emotional content.
Etymology Hide
Report an issue
Flag incorrect definitions, examples, etymology, etc.