理所当然 (lǐ suǒ dāng rán) — only natural; to be expected as a matter of course; to take for granted (often in 把…当作理所当然)

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

理 pairs 玉 (jade) with 里, which shows how to say it; the jade part points to the old sense of polishing jade.

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

所 pairs 斤, an axe, with 戶, which gives the sound hù; the old meaning was the sound of logging.

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

This origin belongs to the traditional form 當; 当 is its simplified writing.

The traditional form 當 combines 田 (field) with 尚; the evidence describes fields facing each other.

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

然 is made from 肰, which gives the sound, and 火, which shows fire, matching the old sense 'to burn'.