竹子
zhúzi · HSK 5
bamboo
🎋 竹 = bamboo + 子 = noun suffix; 竹子 = bamboo (the plant)
竹 is the pictographic radical for bamboo, originally drawn as two drooping bamboo leaves. 子 here is a common noun suffix (like in 桌子 table, 椅子 chair), not literally child.
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.