semantic component of a kanji
Technical term in kanji studies. Refers to the part of a kanji that indicates meaning, as opposed to the phonetic component (音符). Often contrasted with 音符.
See also: 音符
The semantic component of 河 is 氵 (sanzui), which indicates a meaning related to water.
Compound of 意 (meaning) and 符 (mark, sign). A relatively modern technical term used in kanji analysis.