Source: Make Me a Hanzi.
饶 has 饣, a food-and-eating part, and 尧 yáo, which supplies the sound. It first meant 'to be full'. From being full came 'abundant', then 'left over', 'fertile', and 'generous, add for free'. The final sense, 'to forgive; to spare', grew from generosity.
Sign in to add this word to your private lists.