环节
huán jié · HSK 5
link
🔗 环 = ring + 节 = joint/segment; a ring-segment becomes a link in a chain
环 means ring or loop; 节 means joint, node, or segment (same 节 as in 节日 holiday or bamboo node). Together: a ring-joint, hence a link in a chain or one step/stage in a process.
环 — jade radical 玉/王 + 睘 (huán phonetic)
环 is a phono-semantic compound. The left side 王 (a form of 玉 'jade') gives the meaning, since the original sense was a circular jade ring worn as an ornament. The right side 睘 supplies the sound 'huán'. From 'jade ring' the meaning broadened to 'ring, loop, encircle,' and in modern Chinese also 'environment' in 环境.
节 — bamboo radical 竹 (⺮) + 即
Originally written 節, depicting a bamboo joint — the segmented node where a stalk divides. The bamboo radical ⺮ gives the meaning, while 即 supplies the sound. From 'bamboo joint' the meaning expanded to any segment, hence 'section,' 'festival' (a marked point in the year), and 'restraint' (knowing where to stop).