ferry, sail

杭 is composed of 木 (wood) and 亢 (resist, stride over). 亢 is a pictograph depicting a person stepping over a trench, carrying the meaning of crossing or passing through. In ancient times, boats were made of wood, so 杭 refers to boats or crossing water. Currently, 杭 is used as a place name, referring to Hangzhou, where legend says Emperor Yu (大禹) once moored his boat.