呈 chéng to petition
to petition; to submit; to appear; to show
How it came to be
形声 · Meaning + sound
One part gives the meaning, the other gives the sound.
The small seal form puts a mouth on top for the meaning over a sound part.
How it is used
- Two jobs. 'To display/take on (a form)': 呈现 (chéngxiàn) to show, 呈红色 (chéng hóngsè) appear red.
- 'To submit respectfully (to a superior)': 呈报 (chéngbào) report up, 辞呈 (cíchéng) letter of resignation.
- Formal register; the submission sense is bureaucratic.