列举
lièjǔ · HSK 7
list
📋 列 (arrange/row) + 举 (raise/cite) = raise each item in a row, one by one
列 means arrange in a row or rank; 举 means to raise, cite, or bring up. Together they mean to cite things one at a time in sequence — to list or enumerate item by item.
列 — 歹 (bone fragments) + 刂 (knife)
Originally depicted cutting bones apart with a knife, showing the act of separating things into pieces. The meaning extended from 'to divide' to 'arrange in a row' or 'sequence,' since dividing items naturally produces an ordered series. Today it primarily means 'row,' 'line,' or 'to list.'
举 — hands 𠆢 + give 与 (simplified from 擧)
Originally written 擧, showing hands (手) lifting something together with the phonetic 與 'together'. The simplified form 举 keeps the idea of many hands raising up. Core meaning 'to lift, raise' extended to 'to launch, propose, hold (an event)'.