dictionary; classic book; standard; model; ceremony
典 stacks a book-slats top over a base: dictionaries and classics (字典、经典) are the standard books, and 典礼 is a grand ceremony.
GF0025–2021 character list · 二级WHOLE GLYPH & STRUCTURE
ZDIC: 会意，从曲、从八 — a book-slats top over a base. The written top is fused with the frame; both pieces are shown as a visual aid.
WHOLE CHARACTER
dictionary; classic book; standard; model; ceremony
典 stacks a book-slats top over a base: dictionaries and classics (字典、经典) are the standard books, and 典礼 is a grand ceremony.
ZDIC: 会意，从曲、从八 — a book-slats top over a base. The written top is fused with the frame; both pieces are shown as a visual aid.
TOP: THE BENT BOOK-SLATS FRAME (A FUSED SHAPE)
bent (qū); song (qǔ)
A standalone character whose fused written shape also appears as a top piece in some characters; each page shows the role and any limits.
In 典: top: the bent book-slats frame (a fused shape) Shown as a written frame; not taught as the standalone word 曲 here.
BASE: THE TWO SUPPORT LEGS (ZDIC 从八)
eight
Standalone meaning is kept separate from its role in other characters.
In 典: base: the two support legs (ZDIC 从八) Shown with its documented or clearly limited role.
Checking for a Mandarin voice…