平常
píngcháng · HSK 2
ordinary
平 (flat/level) + 常 (constant) = level-and-constant → ordinary, common
平 means flat or even; 常 means constant or frequent. Together: what is level and constant is the everyday norm. Compare 常常 (often) and 平时 (usually) — 常 keeps showing up in words about regular, habitual things.
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.'
常 — 巾 (cloth) + 尚 (phonetic, 'esteem')
Originally written 裳, 常 was a phono-semantic compound: 巾 ('cloth') gave the meaning and 尚 supplied the sound, referring to a long lower garment or skirt. Over time the meaning shifted from 'everyday garment' to 'ordinary, regular, constant', while 裳 took over the original clothing sense.