賢

The core sense is "worthiness," specifically value that has been appraised or recognized. Its range spans from exemplary moral character (virtuous, upright) to functional suitability for office or technical ability (capable, competent). It can also function as a noun referring to the class of people recognized for this blend of ethics and competence.

Used adjectivally to describe a quality, or substantively as a noun referring to "the worthies" or men of merit.

Unlike 聖 (Sage), which represents transcendent wisdom, 賢 represents attainable human excellence. While 良 and 善 refer to general goodness or moral purity, 賢 implies a standard of excellence measured against social or political utility ("fit for purpose"). It often serves as the synthesis of 德 (moral alignment) and 才 (capability).

Semantic variant U+8D12; simplified variant U+8D24.

The combination of 覘 (to observe/examine) and 貝 (shell/value) underscores the sense of "vetted value"—excellence recognized through observation rather than merely innate quality.