Hangul syllable 측

On a standard Korean two-set keyboard, press C, M, then R.

Those keys enter the Hangul letters ㅊ, ㅡ, and ㄱ, called jamo; the input method combines them as 측. If you enter the separate conjoining forms ᄎ + ᅳ + ᆨ, interrupted composition can leave them uncombined. Let the input method finish.

What does 측 mean?

The complete Korean word decides; 측 alone has no single gloss.

측면 means “side or aspect,” 좌측 “left side,” 우측 “right side,” and 양측 “both sides.” 측정, 관측, and 예측 use a different root, for measuring, observing, or predicting. 측은 also appears in words for pity or compassion. Translate the complete word, not this syllable alone.

Hangul was created in 1443 and its design was formally explained in 1446 to give Korean speakers a practical writing system. It later served translations, religious and practical books, education, and literature.

Why does 측 have different meanings in different words?

One Hangul syllable can represent different Korean word roots.

Some 측 words draw on 側, a Hanja—a Chinese character used in Korean—meaning side or party; 측정 draws on 測, a Hanja associated with measuring. Other 측 words have different roots. After a group name, as in 학교 측, 측 means that group's side or party.