手续
shǒu xù
procedure
CL:道[dao4],個|个[ge4]; formalities
hand (手) + continue threading (续) = the steps you work through
手 evokes the hands-on, in-person work of completing official steps. In 续, the thread radical (纟) suggests linking one stage to the next; 卖 mainly gives the sound xù.
办理签证需要很多手续。
bàn lǐ qiān zhèng xū yào hěn duō shǒu xù。
Applying for a visa requires a lot of formalities.
你去银行之前，先了解一下办理手续需要哪些材料。
nǐ qù yín háng zhī qián，xiān liǎo jiě yī xià bàn lǐ shǒu xù xū yào nǎ xiē cái liào。
Before you go to the bank, first find out what materials are needed to complete the procedures.