宽度
kuān dù · HSK 5
width
📏 宽度 = 宽 (wide) + 度 (degree/measure) — wideness measured
宽 means wide or broad; 度 is a measure or degree (same 度 as in 温度 temperature, 长度 length). Together they name the measurable property of wideness, i.e. width.
宽 — roof 宀 + 萈 (phonetic, originally a horned goat)
Originally written with 宀 'roof' over 萈, a horned mountain goat, suggesting a spacious dwelling large enough to house such an animal. The 萈 element also lent its sound. Over time the form simplified to today's 宽, and the meaning shifted from 'spacious house' to the general sense of 'wide, broad, lenient'.
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.