一年被蛇咬，十年怕井绳

• 一(first; number one (pictographic))ASSOCIATIVE

A single horizontal stroke symbolizes the number one, the beginning of all things.

• 干(rice plant; grain stalk)ASSOCIATIVE

A mature grain stalk represents one harvest season, which symbolizes one year.

• 衤(clothes; garments)RADICAL
• 皮(skin; outer layer)PHONO-SEMANTIC

A blanket draped over the body covers you like a second skin on the outside.

• 虫(insect; bug; worm)RADICAL
• 它(snake (original sense))PHONO-SEMANTIC

A snake is a reptile that slithers like an insect, and the sound "da" mimics its hissing.

• 口(mouth; opening)RADICAL
• 交(intersect; contact)PHONO-SEMANTIC

A mouth biting is when two jaws of teeth meet and clench tightly together.

• 十(number ten; cross shape)ASSOCIATIVE

Two intersecting strokes form a complete whole, symbolizing the number ten.

• 忄(heart; mood)RADICAL
• 白(white)PHONO-SEMANTIC

Fear makes the heart tremble and the face turn deathly pale.

• 井(well (pictograph))ASSOCIATIVE

A square well opening with a wooden bar across it depicts a water well.