作法
さほう · sahou · JLPT N3 · noun
manners
🍵 作法 = make (作) + method (法): the proper way of doing things
作 means to make or do, 法 means method or rule. Together: the correct method of doing, hence manners and etiquette. Note the reading さほう (sahou); the same kanji read さくほう means a way of making something.
作 — person radical 亻 + 乍
作 combines the person radical 亻 with 乍, which originally depicted a sudden action or making something. The character means 'to do, make, or create,' with 亻 indicating human activity and 乍 supplying the sound. Over time it broadened to cover works, deeds, and acting as something.
法 — water 氵 + go 去
Originally written 灋, combining the water radical 氵 (suggesting a level standard, like water finding its level), the mythical beast 廌 (which judged guilt), and 去 (to remove or banish). The 廌 was later dropped, leaving 法. The core meaning evolved from 'law' or 'standard' to also include 'method' and 'way of doing'.