早
zǎo · HSK 1
early
☀️ 早 = 日 (sun) + 十 (ten) — sun above the ten-mark, the early hour
Decomposes as 日 sun on top of 十 (originally 甲, a sprouting form). The sun just clearing the horizon marks the early part of the day, which extends to meanings like beforehand and long ago.
早 — sun 日 + ten 十 (originally 甲, a helmet/sprout)
Originally depicted the sun 日 rising above a sprouting plant or a person's head, suggesting the early morning when the sun first appears. The lower component was simplified over time into 十. The core meaning 'morning, early' has remained stable since oracle bone script.