重建
chóng jiàn · HSK 6
to rebuild
🔨 重 (again) + 建 (build) = build again, i.e. rebuild
重 means again or repeat; 建 means to build or establish. Together they literally spell out re-build. The same 重 shows up in 重新 (again, anew) and 重做 (redo).
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'.
建 — 廴 (stride radical) + 聿 (writing brush)
Originally depicted a hand holding a brush (聿) combined with the 廴 'stride/extend' radical, suggesting drawing out or laying down lines. From this came the meaning of setting up or establishing, as in marking out the foundations of a building. Today it broadly means to build, establish, or construct.