摆平
bǎi píng · HSK 7
to settle
⚖️ bǎi = arrange + píng = flat/even — lay things flat so both sides are level
摆 means to arrange or set out, 平 means flat or equal. Together they convey leveling a situation — making it even and settled, like balancing a scale until both sides are fair.
摆 — hand radical 扌 + 罢 bà (phonetic)
摆 is a semantic-phonetic compound: the hand radical 扌 signals an action done with the hands, while 罢 supplies the sound (bà → bǎi). The original sense was to arrange or set things out by hand, which extended to swinging, swaying, and displaying. The simplified form 摆 replaces traditional 擺.
平 — horizontal stroke 一 + 干 with two dots 八
平 originally depicted a balance or scale being level, suggesting evenness. The horizontal lines and symmetrical dots evoke a flat, balanced surface. Over time it extended from 'level/flat' to broader senses like 'calm,' 'peaceful,' and 'ordinary.'