建立
jiànlì · HSK 3
establish
🏗️ 建 = build/construct + 立 = stand; build something so it stands
建 means to build or construct (think 'construction'), and 立 means to stand upright. Together: to build something that stands — i.e. to establish, set up, or found an institution, system, or relationship.
建 — 廴 (stride radical) + 聿 (writing brush)
Originally depicted a hand holding a brush (聿) combined with the 廴 'stride/extend' radical, suggesting drawing out or laying down lines. From this came the meaning of setting up or establishing, as in marking out the foundations of a building. Today it broadly means to build, establish, or construct.
立 — person standing on ground (大 over 一)
Pictograph of a person standing with arms outstretched on the ground line below. The original oracle bone form clearly shows a frontal human figure planted on the earth. The core meaning 'to stand' extended to 'establish, set up, erect.'