配列
はいれつ · hairetsu · JLPT N1 · noun
agreement
📜 配 (arrange) + 列 (row, line) = things arranged in a row
配列 combines 配 'distribute, arrange' and 列 'a line or row'. In programming, an array is a set of values stored in an ordered row, each with a numbered position.
配 — wine vessel 酉 + self 己
Originally depicted a person 己 beside a wine jar 酉, suggesting matching or distributing wine at ceremonies. From this came the meaning 'to pair, match, distribute,' and later 'to deserve' or 'to mix/compound.' The 酉 component gives the wine-related semantic root, while 己 contributes phonetically.
列 — 歹 (bone fragments) + 刂 (knife)
Originally depicted cutting bones apart with a knife, showing the act of separating things into pieces. The meaning extended from 'to divide' to 'arrange in a row' or 'sequence,' since dividing items naturally produces an ordered series. Today it primarily means 'row,' 'line,' or 'to list.'