符号
ふごう · fugou · JLPT N2 · noun
symbol
🪧 符 = tally token + 号 = signal: a sign is a token that signals meaning
符 originally meant a tally tablet split in two as proof of identity. 号 means call, number, or signal, so 符号 is a mark that signals something.
号 — mouth 口 + tiger 虎
Originally written 號, combining 口 (mouth, indicating a cry or call) with 虎 (tiger) as the phonetic and a hint at a loud roar. It first meant to shout or call out, then extended to a name, title, or signal. The simplified form 号 keeps only the upper element.