比赛
bǐsài · HSK 3
match
🏆 比 = compare + 赛 = contest; comparing skills in a contest
比 means compare or rank against; 赛 means contest or race. Together they form the standard word for a competitive match. The 贝 (shell/money) radical in 赛 hints at old prize-giving contests where shells served as currency.
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.
赛 — roof 宀 + 共 (together) + shell 貝
赛 originally meant offering thanks or recompense to spirits, written with 貝 (cowrie/money) suggesting tribute or payment. The upper part acts as the phonetic component. Over time the meaning shifted from ritual repayment to 'compete' or 'contest,' as in matches between rivals.