章
zhāng · HSK 6
chapter
📖 音 + 十 = ten sounds grouped into one chapter
章 stacks sound 音 over ten 十. Ten sounds bundled together make a complete chapter — the unit this measure word counts.
章 — 立 stand + 早 early; or 音 sound + 十 ten
Originally depicted a complete musical composition, analyzed as 音 (sound) plus 十 (ten, marking completion). From 'finished melody' it extended to 'a chapter, section, or composition,' then to 'pattern, rules, or insignia.' Modern uses include chapters in books and official seals.