限度
xiàn dù · HSK 7
limit
🚧 限度 = 限 limit + 度 degree/measure = the set limit
限 means to restrict or bound; 度 means degree or measure. Together they name the measured boundary you cannot pass — a limitation. Note xiàn shares its sound with 现 and 线, but here it is the restricting 限.
限 — mound radical 阝 + 艮 (phonetic)
限 combines the 阝 (mound/hill) radical on the left with 艮 on the right, which provides the sound. The mound element suggests a boundary or barrier formed by terrain, and the character came to mean 'limit' or 'boundary' — the edge one cannot cross.
度 — 广 (shelter) + 庶 abbreviated (phonetic)
Originally depicted a hand measuring length under a shelter, meaning 'to measure' or 'a measure/standard.' From this came extended senses like 'degree,' 'extent,' and 'to pass through' (as in passing time). The reading 'dù' means degree/measure, while 'duó' preserves the older verbal sense of measuring.