共享
gòngxiǎng · HSK 5
share
🤝 共 (together) + 享 (enjoy) = enjoy together, share
共 means common/together (used in 共同, 公共). 享 means to enjoy or partake of (as in 享受). Stack them: jointly partaking = sharing the enjoyment of something.
共 — 两手 (廾) holding up an object
共 originally depicted two hands raised together, lifting or offering something jointly. The ancient form showed a vessel or object held up by paired hands, conveying shared action. From 'lifting together' it shifted to mean 'together,' 'common,' or 'share.'
享 — 亠 lid + 口 mouth + 子 child (from 亯/享)
享 originally depicted a tall ancestral shrine or temple where offerings were presented to spirits and ancestors. The early form 亯 showed a raised building on a base, symbolizing ritual sacrifice. Over time the meaning shifted from 'offer to the gods' to 'receive and enjoy' what is offered, giving today's senses of enjoying or sharing.