素描
sù miáo · HSK 7
sketch
✏️ 素描 = 素 plain/uncoloured + 描 trace/depict = a plain pencil drawing, a sketch
素 means plain or undyed (as in 素食 plain/vegetarian food), and 描 means to trace or depict. Together: a depiction with no colour added — a monochrome pencil sketch.
素 — silk 糸 + sheng 𠂹 (hanging threads)
Originally depicted raw, undyed silk hanging to dry, with the silk radical 糸 below and strands above. From this came the meaning 'plain, unadorned, white,' then extended to 'basic element' or 'plain/simple' in general. The 'vegetarian' sense developed later from the idea of plain, unembellished food.