率
shuài · HSK 7
lead
shuài sounds like sway, and a leader sways the troops to follow
率 also reads lǜ meaning rate or ratio, but as shuài it means to lead or command. The sound hook sway links to a commander who moves a group as one.
率 — twisted silk threads with droplets, plus 十
率 originally pictured a net or twisted bundle of silk cords with water droplets shaking off, suggesting something being led or pulled along. From 'leading a rope' it extended to 'lead, command' (shuài) and to 'rate, ratio' (lǜ), as in a fixed proportion. The two readings share this core image of a guiding measure.