立
lì · HSK 5
erect
🧍 Pictograph of a person standing on the ground — set up, erect
Ancient 立 shows a person (大) with a line beneath their feet representing the earth. The whole character means standing upright, hence to set up or establish. Sounds like lee with falling tone.
立 — person standing on ground (大 over 一)
Pictograph of a person standing with arms outstretched on the ground line below. The original oracle bone form clearly shows a frontal human figure planted on the earth. The core meaning 'to stand' extended to 'establish, set up, erect.'