续
xù · HSK 7
to continue
🧵 silk radical 纟 + sell 卖 phonetic = keep the thread going, continue
The 纟 (silk thread) radical carries the core sense: joining threads end to end so the line never stops. That thread-splicing gives 续 both readings, to continue and to replenish, restocking what ran out. The right side 卖 mainly cues the xù sound.
续 — silk radical 糹+ 賣 (sell, phonetic)
续 is the simplified form of 續. The silk radical 糹 signals the original meaning of joining threads end-to-end, while 賣 served as the phonetic component. From 'splicing silk' the meaning broadened to 'continue, connect, extend' in general use.