策略
cèluè · HSK 6
wile
♟️ 策 = bamboo strategy slip + 略 = plan/scheme
策 originally meant a bamboo slip used by ministers to write counsel for the ruler, hence strategy. 略 carries the sense of outline or plan. Together: a planned scheme or tactic.
略 — field 田 + each 各 (phonetic)
略 is a semantic-phonetic compound: 田 'field' gives the meaning and 各 supplies the sound. It originally referred to surveying or marking out fields and territory, then extended to 'plan, strategy' and 'seize/conquer.' From there it broadened to the modern senses 'outline, brief, omit, slightly.'