简 (jiǎn)

simple; uncomplicated; letter; to choose; to select; bamboo strips use

Etymology

Simplified form of 簡. Phonosemantic compound. ⺮ represents the meaning and 間 represents the sound. The character is based on the original meaning "bamboo strips for writing". The meaning later shifted to "letter", "concise", and "simple".

Original meaning

bamboo strips for writing

Components