公
おおやけ · ooyake · JLPT N1 · noun
populace
📢 公 = 八 (split) + 厶 (private self): private things split out for all = public
厶 meant private self and 八 means divide. Splitting a private share so everyone gets one makes it public. Compare 公園 (kōen), public park.
公 — eight 八 + private 厶
Originally an ideograph showing 八 (to divide) over 厶 (private/self), depicting the act of splitting away from selfish interest. The combination came to mean 'public' or 'fair,' the opposite of private. It later extended to senses like 'duke,' 'lord,' and 'grandfather.'