尝
cháng · HSK 5
to taste
👅 尝 = 小 (small) on top + 云 + 口 (mouth) — a small taste in the mouth
The bottom radical 口 (mouth) signals tasting. Sound-wise, cháng rhymes with 'chong' — a tiny chomp to try the flavor. Also means 'already' (once tasted, you've experienced it).
尝 — small 小 (top) + roof-like cover 冖 + 云 + 旨 (taste/flavor)
Originally written 嘗, depicting tasting food with the tongue (旨 means 'flavor/taste'). The character meant 'to taste' literally, then extended to 'to try/experience' and 'once' (as in 'have ever tried'). The simplified form 尝 keeps the 旨 component carrying the core meaning.