• ⺾(flesh; body)
• 泉(stream; water source)

A gland in the body is like an underground stream that secretes fluid in a steady flow.

• 木(tree; wood)
• 亥(pig (12th zodiac sign))

The kernel of a tree fruit (木) sounds like the character for pig (亥).

• 一(one; horizontal stroke)
• 二(two (pictograph – two horizontal strokes))

Three horizontal strokes stacked on top of each other symbolize the number three.

• 酉(wine vessel; ferment)
• 夋(slow manner; leisurely pace)

Fermenting alcohol produces sourness, which is exactly the character for sour.

• ⺾(flesh; body)
• 泉(stream; water source)

A gland in the body is like an underground stream that secretes fluid in a steady flow.

• 木(tree; wood)
• 亥(pig (12th zodiac sign))

The kernel of a tree fruit (木) sounds like the character for pig (亥).

• 一(one; horizontal stroke)
• 二(two (pictograph – two horizontal strokes))

Three horizontal strokes stacked on top of each other symbolize the number three.

• 酉(wine vessel; ferment)
• 夋(slow manner; leisurely pace)

Fermenting alcohol produces sourness, which is exactly the character for sour.