重叠
chóngdié · HSK 7
overlap
🪆 重 repeat + 叠 fold = layers folded over and over
叠 stacks three 又 (again) radicals — repetition baked right into the character. Together they mean the same layer keeps coming back on top of itself.
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'.
叠 — three 又 (hands) over 宜 (shelf/altar)
Originally written with three 田 stacked above 宜, depicting layers piled on a stand — the core idea of stacking or repeating. Modern form simplifies the top to three 又. It now means to fold, pile up, or repeat.