图表
tú biǎo · HSK 7
chart
📊 图 (diagram) + 表 (table/form) = a chart that lays data out in a table
图 means diagram or chart; 表 means a table or form. Together 图表 is the umbrella word for any chart or diagram. Note 表 (biǎo) is the same character used for a wristwatch and for surface forms.
图 — enclosure 囗 + 冬 (simplified from 啚)
Originally written 圖, showing an enclosure 囗 around 啚, a depiction of a granary or rural settlement on a map. The whole character meant a map or chart of demarcated territory. Meaning later broadened to picture, diagram, or to plan/scheme.
表 — fur 毛 on top + garment 衣 below
Originally depicted an outer fur garment, with 毛 (fur) above 衣 (clothing), showing the hairy outside of a coat. From 'outer garment' it extended to mean 'outside, surface,' then 'to show, express, display,' and later 'table, chart' as something laid out on the surface.