兵
bīng · HSK 4
soldier
⚔️ 兵 = 斤 (axe) + 廾 (two hands) — two hands gripping an axe = soldier
Oracle-bone origin: a pair of hands (廾) holding up a weapon (斤, axe). The compound literally depicts an armed fighter, which broadened to mean troops, arms, and military force in general.
兵 — axe 斤 + two hands 廾
Originally a pictograph of two hands gripping an axe or weapon, depicting a soldier wielding arms. The ancient form clearly showed 斤 (axe) held by 廾 (two hands). The meaning naturally extended from 'weapon' to 'soldier,' 'troops,' and 'military.'