形
xíng · HSK 6
shape
🔷 开 open + 彡 lines — open lines sketch a form
The left part 开 means open or spread apart. The right part 彡 represents flowing strokes or lines. Lines spread open to trace out a shape — that is 形, form.
形 — open frame 开 + hair/pattern 彡
形 combines 开 (originally a phonetic element suggesting the sound) with 彡, a radical depicting fine lines, hair, or decorative strokes. The 彡 part conveys the idea of visible markings or surface appearance, giving 形 its core meaning of 'shape' or 'form.' Over time it broadened to cover physical figure, appearance, and abstract form.