夹 jiā to support
to support; to be wedged between; to intersperse; to mix
How it came to be
A large figure with a small person tucked under each arm. The two small figures are holding the big one up from either side, which is what supporting is.
How it is used
- Read jiā = to press/clamp between, or be wedged in - 用筷子夹菜 (yòng kuàizi jiā cài) pick up food with chopsticks; 夹在中间 (jiā zài zhōngjiān) stuck in the middle.
- 夹子 (jiāzi) = clip/clamp; 文件夹 (wénjiànjiā) = folder.
- 夹杂 (jiāzá) = to be mixed/interspersed with. Read jiá for double-layered: 夹克 (jiákè) jacket, 夹袄 (jiá'ǎo) lined coat.