region, distinguish

區 is composed of 匸 (corner) and 品 (article). 匸 means to conceal or hide, while 品 indicates various kinds or categories. Therefore, 區 conveys the idea of containing many different things, and its original meaning is to hide or conceal. In order to properly store items, one must first classify them into categories and then place them in designated locations. From this, 區 came to mean distinction, region or area.