几率
jī lǜ · HSK 7
probability
🎲 几 (how many) + 率 (rate) = the rate of how-many-times something happens = probability
几 carries the how-many/uncertain sense, 率 means rate or ratio. Together they name the rate at which an uncertain outcome lands — the odds. Near-synonym of 概率, also probability.
几 — single component: small table 几
几 is a pictograph of a small low table or stool, showing two legs supporting a flat top. It originally meant 'a small table' and still carries that sense in words like 茶几 (tea table). It was later borrowed phonetically for the unrelated meaning 'how many / several' (jǐ), which is now its most common use.
率 — twisted silk threads with droplets, plus 十
率 originally pictured a net or twisted bundle of silk cords with water droplets shaking off, suggesting something being led or pulled along. From 'leading a rope' it extended to 'lead, command' (shuài) and to 'rate, ratio' (lǜ), as in a fixed proportion. The two readings share this core image of a guiding measure.