尺寸
chǐcùn · HSK 4
dimension
📏 尺寸 = 尺 (chǐ, foot/ruler) + 寸 (cùn, inch) = measurement
Both characters are classical Chinese units of length: 尺 is a 'foot' (about 33cm) and 寸 is an 'inch' (about 3.3cm). Stacked together, the two units form the generic word for size or dimensions.
尺 — pictograph of a hand measuring length
尺 originally depicted a hand stretched out to measure, representing a unit of length. It became the standard Chinese 'foot' (about 1/3 meter today). The character now means a ruler or the length unit 'chi'.
寸 — hand 又 + indicator dot 一
寸 originally depicted a hand (又) with a small mark indicating the pulse point about one inch below the wrist. It came to mean 'inch,' a traditional Chinese unit of length, and by extension 'a tiny amount.' It often appears as a component suggesting hand actions or measurement.