壮 zhuàng big

big; large; robust; strong

How it came to be

形声 · Meaning + sound

One part gives the meaning, the other gives the sound.

In the full form the split log gives the sound and the other part the meaning; the simplified form writes the log more simply.

'Strong, robust; grand': 强壮 (qiángzhuàng) physically strong, 壮观 (zhuàngguān) spectacular, 壮大 (zhuàngdà) grow in strength.
壮 stresses sturdy build and imposing scale; contrast 强 (qiáng, powerful in ability/force).
理直气壮 (lǐzhí-qìzhuàng) = to stand firm with justice on one's side. Also the 壮族 (Zhuàngzú) Zhuang ethnic group.