片
piàn · HSK 2
thin piece
🧩 片 piàn = a thin slice or flat piece; measure word for flat things
Etymology: 片 is a pictograph of half of 木 (tree) split lengthwise, giving the sense of a thin slab. As a measure word it counts flat, sliced things: 一片面包 a slice of bread, 一片叶子 a leaf.
片 — right half of 木 (tree split vertically)
Pictograph showing the right half of a tree 木 split down the middle, depicting a thin slice or slab of wood. From this came the meanings 'slice,' 'flat thin piece,' and by extension 'sheet' or 'card.' Its mirror image 爿 represents the left half.