千克
qiān kè · HSK 2
kilogram
⚖️ 千 (thousand) + 克 (gram) = thousand grams = kilogram
千 means thousand and 克 means gram, so 千克 literally spells out kilogram = 1000 grams. 克 also doubles as the phonetic loan for the SI prefix, matching the 'k' in kg.
千 — person 人 with horizontal stroke
Originally derived from the character 人 (person) with an added horizontal stroke, used as a numerical marker meaning 'thousand.' Some scholars link the stroke to a tally mark indicating a large count. Over time it became the standard numeral for 1000.
克 — top 十 + brother 兄 (helmeted figure)
Originally a pictograph of a person bearing a heavy helmet or burden on the head, suggesting the strength needed to carry or subdue a load. From 'to bear a weight' it extended to 'overcome, conquer, subdue,' and later 'to be able to.' The modern shape blends 十 above 兄.