利索
lì suo · HSK 7
nimble
🐿️ 利 = sharp/quick + 索 = cord; sharp-and-tidy as a taut cord = nimble
利 carries the sense of sharp and quick, 索 means cord or rope. A taut, sharp cord snaps tight with no slack, so 利索 means moving quick and neat, nimble with nothing fumbled.
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.