Origin

This character combines two components to express the idea of a bribe. The left side, 貝, represents shells or valuables—in ancient times shells were used as currency and gifts. The right side, 各, means "each" or "individual." Together they suggest giving valuable things to individuals for improper purposes, which is the essence of bribery. The pairing of "valuables" with "individual" captures how bribes work: offering personal payments to sway someone's judgment.