效果
xiàoguǒ · HSK 3
effect
💥 效 = imitate/effect + 果 = fruit/result → the result that follows
效 carries the sense of effect or efficacy; 果 literally means fruit and by extension outcome or result. Together they name the observable outcome an action produces — its effect.
果 — fruit shape 田-like top + tree 木
果 is a pictograph: early forms show a tree (木) with round fruit hanging on its branches, later stylized into the 田-like top. Its original meaning was 'fruit', which extended to 'result, outcome' — the fruit of an action — and to 'resolute, decisive'.