普及
pǔjí · HSK 3
spread
📢 普 = universal/widespread + 及 = reach/extend to
普 means widespread or general (think 'universal'); 及 means to reach or extend to. Together: extend something widely so it reaches everyone — popularize or disseminate.
及 — hand 又 reaching person 人
Originally a pictograph showing a hand (又) catching or reaching a person from behind, depicting the act of catching up to someone. The core meaning 'to reach' or 'to catch up to' extended to 'and' (reaching/including more items) and 'in time for'. Modern form simplifies the person and hand into connected strokes.