章
しょう · shou · JLPT N3 · noun
chapter
📖🏅 章 = 音 (sound) + 十 (ten): a complete musical section, hence chapter
Etymology: 音 (sound) over 十 (ten, a full count) marked one finished passage of music. A finished unit of writing became a chapter. Shou sounds like show: each chapter shows one part, and a medal shows your rank.
章 — 立 stand + 早 early; or 音 sound + 十 ten
Originally depicted a complete musical composition, analyzed as 音 (sound) plus 十 (ten, marking completion). From 'finished melody' it extended to 'a chapter, section, or composition,' then to 'pattern, rules, or insignia.' Modern uses include chapters in books and official seals.