保重
bǎo zhòng · HSK 7
to take care of oneself
🛡️ bao = protect, zhong = heavy — protect what weighs on you
The first character 保 means protect or safeguard. The second 重 means heavy or important. Together they say: guard the important thing — yourself. A parting wish to keep yourself safe.
保 — person 亻 + 呆 (child/protect phonetic)
Originally an ideograph showing an adult carrying a child on the back, meaning to protect or shield. The right side 呆 evolved from a depiction of a swaddled infant. Over time the meaning broadened from 'protect a child' to 'preserve, guarantee, keep safe.'
重 — person 人 + east 東 (phonetic)
Originally depicted a person carrying a heavy bundle on their back, suggesting weight and burden. The 東-like element served as a phonetic component. Over time the character split into two readings: zhòng meaning 'heavy' and chóng meaning 'repeat/again'.