温度
wēndù · HSK 2
temperature
🌡️ 温 (warm) + 度 (degree) = degree of warmth → temperature
温 means warm/mild and 度 means degree or measure. Together they literally read as 'degree of warmth', the standard Chinese word for temperature. 度 also appears in 速度 (speed) and 角度 (angle), always meaning a measured degree.
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.