结构
jiégòu · HSK 4
structure
🏗️ 结 (tie/knot) + 构 (frame/build) = how parts are tied into a frame
结 means to tie or knot; 构 means to construct or frame. Together 结构 is the way components are bound into a framework — hence structure, configuration, or framing. Same 构 appears in 构造 (construct) and 建构 (build up).
结 — silk radical 糸 + lucky 吉 (phonetic)
结 is a semantic-phonetic compound. The silk radical 糸 on the left signals the meaning, since the original sense was tying threads or cords into knots. The right side 吉 (jí) provides the sound. From the literal 'knot' it extended to figurative senses like 'bind,' 'conclude,' or 'form (a bond).'