residence, live happily

宅 is composed of 宀 (roof) and 乇 (support). 宀 is a pictograph of a roof, while 乇 means forcefully lifting or supporting something upward. Therefore, 宅 conveys the idea of supporting a roof with the hands. When a roof is supported, it will not collapse and one can live in it with peace of mind. From this, 宅 came to mean a dwelling or a place of settled residence.