層
ソウ

stratum, social class, layer, story, floor

JLPT2 G6 S14 F801

(Shinjitai) Originally as per 曾# (pile) + 尸 shape indicator suggesting the upper part of a building (a roof or a drop curtain/banner) → *house with multiple layers of roofing* → *layer* → *pile up*; *stratum*; *class*; *counter* (for stories of buildings).

[Full Kanji Etymology List]