重心
zhòngxīn · HSK 7
gravity
⚖️ 重 (heavy/weight) + 心 (heart/center) = the weight-center, i.e. center of gravity
Literally the heavy-heart point: the spot where weight balances. From physics center-of-gravity it extends to the figurative heart of a matter, the fulcrum or main focus of attention.
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'.
心 — pictograph of a heart with chambers and aorta
心 is a pictograph showing a stylized heart, with strokes representing the organ's chambers and the aorta at the top. Originally meaning the physical heart, it broadened to cover mind, feelings, and intentions, since ancient Chinese thought located thinking and emotion in the heart.