语法
yǔfǎ · HSK 4
grammar
📖 语 = language + 法 = law/method — the laws of language
语 (yǔ) means language or speech; 法 (fǎ) means law, method, or rule. Together: the rules governing language, i.e. grammar or syntax. 法 also shows up in 方法 (method) and 办法 (way of doing).
法 — water 氵 + go 去
Originally written 灋, combining the water radical 氵 (suggesting a level standard, like water finding its level), the mythical beast 廌 (which judged guilt), and 去 (to remove or banish). The 廌 was later dropped, leaving 法. The core meaning evolved from 'law' or 'standard' to also include 'method' and 'way of doing'.