将
jiāng · HSK 5
be about to
⏳ jiāng sounds like 'jung' — about to jump, just hasn't yet
将 marks imminent action ('be about to'). Hook: jiāng ≈ 'jung/young' — a young moment, on the verge but not yet arrived. Also appears in 将来 (jiānglái = future), reinforcing the 'soon-to-come' sense.
将 — 爿 (bed/plank) + 寸 (hand) + 月 (meat)
Originally depicted a hand (寸) holding meat (月) beside a table or altar (爿), suggesting offering meat at a ceremony — hence a leader or general who presides. The meaning extended to 'commander' and, as a function word, 'about to' or 'will'. The simplified form 将 streamlines 爿 into 丬.