资本
zīběn · HSK 5
finance
💰 资 = resources/funds + 本 = root/origin → root funds = capital
资 means resources or funds; 本 means root, origin, or base (a tree with a mark at its base). Together: the root funds of a business — its capital or principal sum.
本 — tree 木 + mark at base
本 is a pictograph of a tree (木) with a stroke at its base, marking the roots. From this 'root' meaning it extended to 'origin,' 'source,' and 'foundation.' In modern usage it also serves as a measure word for bound objects like books.