方案
fāngàn · HSK 4
plan
📋 方 (square/method) + 案 (proposal/file) = a structured plan
方 means square, direction, or method; 案 means proposal, case, or written record. Together: a worked-out method written down — a plan, scheme, or formula. Common in 解决方案 (solution) and 方案设计 (scheme design).
方 — pictograph of a plow or two boats joined side by side
方 originated as a pictograph, traditionally interpreted as a plow handle or two boats lashed together. From the idea of paired boats it extended to mean 'side by side,' then 'square,' 'direction,' and 'region.' It was later borrowed for the abstract sense of 'method' or 'way.'