王
wáng · HSK 4
king
👑 Three horizontal lines = heaven, earth, humanity; vertical line links them through the king
Etymology: the three horizontal strokes represent heaven, earth, and people, joined by one vertical stroke — the ruler who connects all three realms. Also a common surname Wáng.
王 — three horizontal strokes 三 + one vertical stroke connecting heaven, earth, and humanity
Originally a pictograph of a large ceremonial axe, a symbol of royal authority in ancient China. The three horizontal lines were later reinterpreted philosophically as heaven, earth, and humanity, with the king as the one who unites them. The meaning shifted from 'axe' to 'king' or 'ruler'.