深度
shēndù · HSK 5
depth
📏 深 deep + 度 degree/measure = depth as a measured quality
深 means deep (water radical 氵 + phonetic). 度 means degree or measurement, the same 度 in 温度 (temperature) and 角度 (angle). Together: the degree of deepness — used for physical depth and figurative profundity.
深 — water radical 氵 + 罙 (phonetic, depth)
深 combines the water radical 氵 with 罙, which depicts a hand reaching into a cave or hollow. Originally it described deep water, then broadened to mean 'deep' in any sense — distance, color, or feeling. The 氵 gives the meaning, while 罙 hints at both sound and the idea of reaching far in.
度 — 广 (shelter) + 庶 abbreviated (phonetic)
Originally depicted a hand measuring length under a shelter, meaning 'to measure' or 'a measure/standard.' From this came extended senses like 'degree,' 'extent,' and 'to pass through' (as in passing time). The reading 'dù' means degree/measure, while 'duó' preserves the older verbal sense of measuring.