三部曲

• 一(one; horizontal stroke)ASSOCIATIVE
• 二(two (pictograph – two horizontal strokes))ASSOCIATIVE

Three horizontal strokes stacked on top of each other symbolize the number three.

• 咅(sound reading (radical/section))PHONETIC
• 阝(village; region)RADICAL

A section of land divided by distinct sounds becomes a region's administrative division.

• 曰(mouth open; speak)RADICAL
• 丨丨(two vertical strokes indicating a curve)ASSOCIATIVE

The character 曲 shows a vessel's mouth with two curved walls, evoking the image of a bent and winding elbow.