辨 (biàn)

Etymology

刂 (knife) added between two 辛 (chisel) components or 辡 conveying the original meaning "to cut into two parts". The meaning has shifted over time and now means "distinguish". 辡 also provides the sound.

Shuowen Jiezi

《說文》：“辦，判也。从刀，辡聲。”

Original meaning

to cut into two parts

Components

• 辡 (sound, iconic) — Here used to depict an object being cut into two parts. 辡 also gives the sound.
• 刂 (iconic) — Depicts a knife.