部
bù · HSK 3
department
部 = 立 (stand) phonetic + 阝(city) radical; a section or department
部 (bù) works as a measure word for bound things like books, films, machines, and phones. Etymologically it splits into 咅 (phonetic) and 阝 (city/region), giving the core sense of a part or division of a larger whole.
部 — 阝(邑) right + 咅 phonetic
The right-side 阝 derives from 邑 (city/settlement), giving the meaning of a region, district, or administrative division. The left side 咅 supplies the sound. Originally referring to a settlement, the meaning broadened to 'part,' 'section,' or 'ministry.'