重
zhòng · HSK 1
heavy
🏋️ 千 (thousand) + 里 (li, distance) — a thousand li of weight
重 originally depicted a person carrying a heavy bundle; the modern form is analyzed as 千 over 里, a mnemonic for 'a thousand units of distance worth of weight.' Extends from physical heaviness to importance and seriousness.
重 — person 人 + east 東 (phonetic)
Originally depicted a person carrying a heavy bundle on their back, suggesting weight and burden. The 東-like element served as a phonetic component. Over time the character split into two readings: zhòng meaning 'heavy' and chóng meaning 'repeat/again'.