厚度
hoù dù · HSK 7
thickness
📚 厚 thick + 度 degree = thick-ness, the measure of how thick something is
厚 (hoù) means thick, and 度 (dù) means degree or measure — the same 度 in 温度 temperature and 长度 length. Stack them and you get the degree of thickness.
厚 — cliff 厂 + 子 over 日 (sun) component
Originally depicted a tall, thick mound or cliff (厂) with layered earth beneath, showing depth and substance. The core meaning 'thick' extended metaphorically to 'generous,' 'deep,' or 'kind-hearted.' Today 厚 commonly means thick (in dimension) or sincere/generous in character.
度 — 广 (shelter) + 庶 abbreviated (phonetic)
Originally depicted a hand measuring length under a shelter, meaning 'to measure' or 'a measure/standard.' From this came extended senses like 'degree,' 'extent,' and 'to pass through' (as in passing time). The reading 'dù' means degree/measure, while 'duó' preserves the older verbal sense of measuring.