Origin

This character combines the idea of "use" (用) with a marker indicating material or surface. The character appears to show something spread out or laid down for use—which connects to both meanings: a shop is a place set up and arranged for doing business, while paving involves laying down materials to create a usable surface. The visual structure suggests preparation and arrangement of a space or material for practical purposes.

AI-generated (claude-haiku-4-5), not yet reviewed. Formation type (automated guess): Compound ideographic (combined meanings).