損得
そんとく · sontoku · JLPT N2 · noun
addition
⚖️ 損 (loss) + 得 (gain) = 損得: the two opposites weighed against each other
The two characters are opposites, so 損得 names the net result of a choice: what you lose set against what you gain. Often used for pros and cons.
得 — 彳 (step) + 旦 (sun/day) + 寸 (hand)
Originally depicted a hand 寸 reaching for a cowrie shell 貝 (later simplified to 旦), with 彳 'step' added to show going out and obtaining something. The core meaning is 'to get' or 'obtain'. The reading děi extends this to 'must/have to' — what one is obliged to get done.