云
yún · HSK 2
cloud
☁️ Ancient pictograph of rising vapor; also the simplified form of 雲 (rain + 云).
Originally drew curling vapor rising from the ground. Later 雨 (rain) was stacked on top to form 雲, since clouds bring rain. Modern simplified Chinese reverted to the original 云.
云 — top 一 + 厶 (swirling cloud shape)
Originally a pictograph of a swirling cloud, written 云 in oracle bones. Later 雨 (rain) was added on top to form 雲, clarifying the weather meaning. In simplified Chinese, 云 was restored as the standard form and also serves as a literary verb meaning 'to say'.