Origin

This character combines the metal radical 金 on the left, which classifies it as a word about metalworking, with 段 on the right as a sound hint suggesting the pronunciation. The core meaning comes from the metalworking sense: forging metal involves repeatedly heating and hammering it to shape and strengthen it. From this concrete image of metalworking, the meaning extended to disciplining and training a person, since both involve repeated effort to build strength and skill.