层
céng · HSK 2
floor
🏢 层 = measure word for floors, layers, or tiers of something stacked
Used to count stacked or layered things: floors of a building (五层楼 = 5-story building), layers of cake, or tiers of meaning. The radical 尸 (corpse/shelter) over 云 (cloud) hints at stacked roof-like shelters.
层 — corpse 尸 + cloud 云 (simplified from 曾)
层 is the simplified form of 層. The original character combines 尸 (a roof/dwelling) with 曾 (céng), which provides the sound and originally depicted stacked layers of a steamer. Together they suggested a multi-storied building, extending to mean 'layer,' 'tier,' or 'story.'