重量
zhòngliàng · HSK 4
weight
⚖️ 重 (heavy) + 量 (measure) = heaviness-measure = weight
重 means heavy or important; 量 means to measure or quantity. Together they name the measured property of heaviness — weight as a quantity. Contrast with 重要 (heavy + essential = important).
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'.
量 — top 旦 (sunrise) + bottom 里 (village/measure)
Originally a pictograph of a funnel or measuring vessel used to gauge grain. The form evolved to suggest weighing at sunrise (旦) over a measured area (里). It split into two readings: liáng 'to measure' (the action) and liàng 'quantity' (the result).