比例
bǐlì · HSK 3
proportional
⚖️ 比例 = compare (比) + example/precedent (例) → ratio between cases
比 means compare or measure-against; 例 means example, case, or precedent. Together they name the compared relationship between two cases — a ratio or proportion. Used for percentages, scales, and proportional reasoning.
比 — two 匕 (person) side by side
比 is a pictograph showing two people standing side by side, facing the same direction. From this image of paired figures came the core meaning 'to compare' or 'to be next to,' since comparing things naturally involves placing them alongside each other.