接近
jiējìn · HSK 3
approach
➡️ 接 = receive/connect + 近 = near; literally 'connect-near' = approach
接 means to connect or receive (think 接电话 answer the phone); 近 means near or close. Together 接近 = drawing close to something, whether a place, person, or value. Common in formulas like 接近目标 (approach the goal).
接 — hand 扌 + concubine 妾 (phonetic)
接 is a semantic-phonetic compound. The hand radical 扌 carries the meaning of receiving or joining with the hand, while 妾 supplies the sound. From 'taking with the hand' it broadened to 'receive, meet, connect, join together'.
近 — 辶 (walk) + 斤 (axe, phonetic)
近 is a semantic-phonetic compound. The 辶 radical signals movement or distance, while 斤 (axe) supplies the sound. Together they convey the idea of a short distance to walk, hence 'near' or 'close'.