层次
céngcì · HSK 5
administrative levels
📊 层 = layer/floor + 次 = order/sequence → layered ordering
层 means tier or floor (think building storeys stacked up); 次 means order or sequence. Together they describe ranked layers — administrative levels or the arrangement of ideas in tiered order.
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.'
次 — 冫 ice + 欠 yawn/lack
Originally depicted a person (欠) sighing or hesitating, with 二 (later written 冫) marking repetition or a secondary position. The core sense developed from 'second in order' or 'next' into related meanings like 'sequence,' 'time/occurrence,' and 'inferior quality.'