窗子
chuāng zi · HSK 4
window
🪟 窗 = window + 子 (noun suffix, like -y or -let)
窗 carries the meaning 'window'; 子 is a common noun suffix that turns roots into everyday nouns (compare 桌子 table, 椅子 chair). So 窗子 is literally 'window-thing' = window.
子 — pictograph of a baby/child with arms out
子 began as a pictograph of a swaddled infant with a large head and outstretched arms, originally meaning 'baby' or 'child.' From there it broadened to 'son,' 'offspring,' and a respectful suffix for masters like 孔子 (Confucius). It also became one of the twelve earthly branches.