Origin

This character combines the idea of a structure made of earth or stone with a sound component. The left side, 土, meaning earth or soil, classifies this as something built from earthen materials—appropriate for a tower or pagoda. The right side, 荅, serves purely as a sound hint, telling you roughly how to pronounce the character. Together, the combination of "earth/soil structure" with the sound indicator creates a character for the tall stone and earthen buildings used in religious and defensive contexts.