血液
xiěyè · HSK 6
blood
🩸 shee-eh! — the sound you make when you see blood
血 (blood) + 液 (liquid). The pronunciation xiěyè sounds like a startled yelp — shee-eh! — which is exactly what you'd shout if you cut yourself and saw blood-liquid pouring out.
血 — drop 丿 over dish 皿
Originally a pictograph of a sacrificial vessel (皿) with a drop of blood inside, marking the offering of blood in ancient rituals. The small stroke on top represents the blood itself. Over time it broadened from ritual blood to blood in general.