辞呈
cí chéng · HSK 7
(written) resignation
📝👋 ci cheng = words + present: you present your words of farewell
辞 means words or to take leave, 呈 means to present or submit. A resignation is literally presenting your departing words — handing over a formal statement that says you are leaving.
辞 — 舌 (tongue) + 辛 (bitter/blade)
Originally written 辭, depicting hands sorting tangled threads beside 辛 (a knife or judgment), meaning to settle disputes with words. The modern simplified form replaces the left side with 舌 (tongue), reinforcing the speech sense. Meanings extended from 'legal statement' to 'words, phrases, to take leave.'