版
bǎn · HSK 5
edition
📖 版 = 片 (slice/plank) + 反 (fǎn, phonetic) — a printing block
Originally a wooden plank or tablet used for printing, so 片 (slice of wood) carries the meaning and 反 hints at the sound bǎn. From physical printing block it extended to edition, version, and register.
版 — 片 (slice/board) + 反 (phonetic 'fǎn')
版 is a semantic-phonetic compound. The 片 component means a thin slice or board of wood, indicating the meaning, while 反 supplies the sound. Originally it referred to wooden writing tablets or printing blocks, which extended to today's senses of 'edition,' 'printing plate,' and 'version.'