成就
chéngjiù · HSK 3
achievement
🏆 成 = become/accomplish + 就 = then/achieve → 'becoming achieved' = an achievement
成 means 'to become/complete' and 就 means 'to accomplish/then'. Together they form a compound meaning a completed accomplishment. Common in 成就感 (sense of achievement) and 取得成就 (to attain success).
成 — 戊 (halberd/weapon) + 丁 (nail/man)
Originally a pictograph of a halberd or axe-like weapon, suggesting the act of completing a task by force. Over time it shifted from 'to subdue' to the broader meaning 'to accomplish' or 'to become'. The 丁 element inside also hints at the chéng sound.
就 — 京 (capital) + 尤 (especially)
Originally a compound suggesting going to a high place (京 depicts a tall building) to settle or accomplish something. Over time the meaning shifted from 'approach a high place' to 'go to,' then broadened to 'accomplish,' and finally to the modern grammatical senses 'then,' 'just,' or 'precisely.'