利息
lìxí · HSK 4
interest
💰 利 = profit/benefit + 息 = breath/rest; money that 'breathes' growth over time
利 originally showed grain (禾) cut by a blade (刂) — the profit of harvest. 息 means breath or to rest. Together: profit that accrues while money rests — interest.
利 — grain 禾 + knife 刂
Originally a pictograph showing a knife (刂) cutting grain (禾), depicting harvest. From the idea of a sharp blade reaping crops, it extended to mean 'sharp,' then 'benefit,' 'profit,' or 'advantage' — the gain that comes from a successful harvest.