及格
jí gé · HSK 4
to pass an exam or a test
✅📝 及 = reach + 格 = standard → reach the standard = pass
及 means to reach or attain; 格 means a standard, grid, or criterion. Together they mean reaching the minimum bar — passing a test or meeting a requirement, but no more than that.
及 — hand 又 reaching person 人
Originally a pictograph showing a hand (又) catching or reaching a person from behind, depicting the act of catching up to someone. The core meaning 'to reach' or 'to catch up to' extended to 'and' (reaching/including more items) and 'in time for'. Modern form simplifies the person and hand into connected strokes.
格 — wood 木 + 各 (each, phonetic)
格 is a semantic-phonetic compound: 木 (wood) gives the meaning, originally referring to a wooden frame, lattice, or crossbar, while 各 supplies the sound. From 'frame/grid' the meaning extended to 'pattern, standard, style' and the modern senses of 'square (in a grid)' and 'character/disposition'.