简单
jiǎndān · HSK 3
simple
📋 简 = simple/bamboo-slip + 单 = single; 'single slip' = simple, plain
简 originally meant bamboo writing slips (short, basic records) and now means simple/brief. 单 means single or unitary. Together 简单 reads as 'brief + single' — uncomplicated, plain, easy.
单 — 叩 (two mouths 口) over 甲 (shield/armor)
Originally a pictograph of a forked hunting weapon or shield with two prongs at the top. The ancient form shows a Y-shaped tool, later stylized into the modern shape. The meaning shifted from the weapon to 'single' or 'one,' possibly because it was a single-handed tool.