Etymology of the word shame in Korean (창피 (changpi) or cheng-pee

The funny nuance; what if you wanted to be unruly, to be like a wild animal, like a wild dog?

to be wild and unruly, like an untrained dog?

Chang as in dog

The word ì°½ (chang) in 창피 (changpi) is derived from the Chinese character 猖. Here’s a deeper look into its etymology:

Chinese Character 猖 (창, chang):

  1. Character Breakdown:
  • Radical: 犬 (견, dog) – This is the radical part of the character, often associated with animals or actions that are wild or untamed.
  • Phonetic Component: The remaining part of the character contributes to its pronunciation and meaning.
  1. Meanings:
  • The character 猖 primarily means “wild,” “unruly,” “reckless,” or “insolent.” It conveys a sense of disorder or behavior that is out of control.
  • In a broader sense, it can refer to actions that are inappropriate or excessive, particularly in a social or public context.

Usage in Korean:

  • In the context of the word 창피 (changpi), the ì°½ (chang) part contributes to the meaning of being unruly or out of order, which, when combined with 피 (pi), relates to the exposure of such behavior, leading to shame or embarrassment.

Cultural Context:

  • In traditional Korean society, as in many East Asian cultures influenced by Confucian values, maintaining proper behavior and avoiding public embarrassment were highly emphasized. Therefore, the concept of 창피 (changpi) carries a significant weight, as it reflects not just personal shame but also a disruption of social harmony.
  • The character 猖, when used in other contexts, might also refer to rebelliousness or defiance, further underscoring the idea of acting against accepted norms, which then leads to the feeling of shame when such actions are exposed.

Overall, 창 (chang) in 창피 conveys a deep sense of disorderliness or lack of control, which is central to the feeling of shame that the word represents.

Unruly… wild?

It seems like you might be referring to the Korean word 창피 (changpi), which means “shame” or “embarrassment.” The word 창피 (changpi) is often used in everyday Korean to describe situations where someone feels ashamed, embarrassed, or humiliated.

Etymology of 창피 (changpi):

  • ì°½ (chang): This part of the word is derived from the Chinese character 猖, which means “unruly” or “wild.”
  • 피 (pi): This is derived from the Chinese character 披, which means “to expose” or “to show.”

When combined, 창피 (changpi) essentially conveys the feeling of being exposed in an unruly or inappropriate manner, leading to feelings of shame or embarrassment. It’s a word that emphasizes the public nature of the embarrassment, where one’s actions or circumstances might be seen by others, causing a sense of humiliation.