How do they decide what the complicated character for 7 should be? Why does it include the symbol of a tree? Can natives derive the meaning of a new symbol by its components or are they just as clueless as we are until they learn the word?

[–] NorthWestWind@lemmy.world 7 points 7 months ago

Even as a Hongkonger myself, I have no idea. We just see these characters as ancient numbers.

Also, if you write 柒 in an informal context, it is considered offensive.

[–] feedum_sneedson@lemmy.world 3 points 7 months ago* (last edited 7 months ago)

The character used to refer to a type of tree sap, but shares the same pronounciation as 七. I'm guessing the reason it's considered offensive is because the top component implies ejaculation, but that's something I'd need to check!