成本
chéngběn · HSK 5
cost
💰 成本 = 成 (become/accomplish) + 本 (root/capital) — capital needed to make something happen
成 means to complete or accomplish; 本 originally meant the root of a tree, extended to mean origin or capital. Together: the capital/root resources required to accomplish a venture — i.e. cost.
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.
本 — tree 木 + mark at base
本 is a pictograph of a tree (木) with a stroke at its base, marking the roots. From this 'root' meaning it extended to 'origin,' 'source,' and 'foundation.' In modern usage it also serves as a measure word for bound objects like books.