差别
chābié · HSK 5
difference
⚖️ 差 = differ + 别 = distinguish; together: a distinguishable difference
差 carries the sense of 'differ' or 'discrepancy' (also in 差不多 chàbuduō, 'about the same'). 别 means 'distinguish' or 'separate' (also in 区别 qūbié). Stack them and you get a noun for the gap between two things.
差 — 垂 (drooping) + 工 (work/tool)
Originally depicted a hand reaching down to grasp grain stalks of uneven length, suggesting discrepancy or unevenness. From this came the meaning 'difference' or 'to differ.' The reading chā specifically carries the sense of disparity, while other readings developed meanings like 'to dispatch' (chāi) and 'poor/lacking' (chà).
别 — separate (knife 刂 + 另 phonetic/'other')
别 originally depicted using a knife (刂) to separate flesh from bone, giving the core sense of 'divide' or 'part from'. The left component 另 ('another, other') reinforces the idea of setting things apart and also hints at the sound. From 'separate' the meaning naturally extended to 'other, different' and to the adverb 'don't' (i.e. do otherwise).