浓厚
nónghòu · HSK 7
strong
🍯 浓 dense/concentrated + 厚 thick = thick, strong, rich (like syrup or strong coffee)
浓 marks high concentration (strong tea, dense fog); 厚 means thick or deep. Together they describe richness piled on: a heavy aroma, deep interest, or a strong atmosphere.
浓 — water 氵 + 农 (farming/phonetic)
A semantic-phonetic compound: the water radical 氵 supplies the meaning while 农 (nóng, 'farming') gives the sound. Originally described liquids that were thick or dense like heavy dew, then extended to anything concentrated — strong tea, rich flavors, or deep colors.
厚 — cliff 厂 + 子 over 日 (sun) component
Originally depicted a tall, thick mound or cliff (厂) with layered earth beneath, showing depth and substance. The core meaning 'thick' extended metaphorically to 'generous,' 'deep,' or 'kind-hearted.' Today 厚 commonly means thick (in dimension) or sincere/generous in character.