待
dài · HSK 5
to stay; to remain; to wait
⏳ 待 = 彳 (step) + 寺 (temple); to step toward a temple means to wait
待 combines 彳 (a step radical) with 寺 (temple). Going to a temple involves waiting and patience, so 待 came to mean wait or stay till something happens. The dài reading rhymes with stay.
待 — chì 彳 (step) + 寺 sì (temple/phonetic)
待 combines the 'step' radical 彳, suggesting movement or a path, with 寺, which serves as the phonetic component. Originally it conveyed the idea of stopping along a road, which extended to 'waiting.' Over time it also took on related meanings like 'to treat' or 'to deal with' someone.