平均
píngjūn · HSK 4
average
⚖️ 平 = flat/level + 均 = equal → flat-equal = average
平 means flat or level; 均 means equal or even. Together 平均 literally reads as flat-and-equal, which extends to the mathematical sense of average or mean. The 土 radical in 均 hints at evenly-spread earth.
平 — horizontal stroke 一 + 干 with two dots 八
平 originally depicted a balance or scale being level, suggesting evenness. The horizontal lines and symmetrical dots evoke a flat, balanced surface. Over time it extended from 'level/flat' to broader senses like 'calm,' 'peaceful,' and 'ordinary.'