Chinese Character: 合
1. Character Basics
Radical: 人/rén (person) + 口/kǒu (mouth)
Stroke Count: 6 strokes
Stroke Order:
2. Pronunciation
Pinyin: Hé (Second tone) or Gě (Third tone)
3. Meaning
Basic Meaning: To close; to shut; to combine; to unite; to fit; to match
Extended Meaning: Together; joint; collective; entire; whole; agreement; harmony
Additional Meaning: Used to indicate agreement, combination, or conformity
4. Common Words
- 合作 (hé zuò) - Cooperation; to cooperate
Example: 我们需要合作完成这个项目。
(We need to cooperate to complete this project.) - 合同 (hé tóng) - Contract; agreement
Example: 他们签署了一份重要的合同。
(They signed an important contract.) - 合适 (hé shì) - Suitable; appropriate; fit
Example: 这个工作很适合你。
(This job is very suitable for you.) - 合并 (hé bìng) - To merge; to combine; to unite
Example: 这两家公司决定合并。
(These two companies decided to merge.) - 合理 (hé lǐ) - Reasonable; rational; logical
Example: 你的建议很合理。
(Your suggestion is very reasonable.)
5. Grammar & Usage
Part of Speech: Verb, adjective, noun
Usage:
- As a verb: To close, to combine, to unite (e.g., 合上书 - close the book)
- As an adjective: Suitable, appropriate, reasonable (e.g., 合理的价格 - reasonable price)
- As a noun: Agreement, harmony, union (e.g., 合力 - combined effort)
Common Structures:
- 合 + [verb]: Forming verbs meaning to make something fit or match (e.g., 合适, 合格)
- [noun] + 合: Forming nouns related to combination or agreement (e.g., 结合, 符合)
Usage Notes: "合" is a versatile character with multiple meanings depending on context. It is important to learn common collocations and usage patterns.
6. Cultural Background
In Chinese culture, "合" holds significant meaning related to harmony, unity, and cooperation, which are core values in Chinese philosophy. The character itself is composed of "人" (person) and "口" (mouth), symbolizing people coming together and communicating.
The concept of "合" is deeply rooted in Confucian philosophy, which emphasizes social harmony and the importance of maintaining good relationships between individuals, families, and communities. It is also reflected in traditional Chinese medicine, where the balance and harmony of the body's systems are considered essential for health.
In Chinese calligraphy and art, the character "合" is often used to represent unity, completeness, and good fortune. It is also commonly seen in traditional festivals and celebrations, symbolizing the coming together of family and friends.
7. Example Sentence
Example 1:
我们的意见很合得来。
(Our opinions match well.)
Example 2:
请把书合上。
(Please close the book.)
Example 3:
这次会议达成了合作协议。
(A cooperation agreement was reached at this meeting.)
8. Memory Tips
1. Structure Memory: The character 合 is composed of "人" (person) and "口" (mouth). Imagine people coming together and speaking, symbolizing unity and agreement.
2. Image Association: Associate 合 with images of things coming together, such as closing a book, shaking hands, or fitting pieces together.
3. Multi-meaning Practice: Practice using "合" in different contexts to remember its various meanings (to close, to combine, suitable, reasonable).
4. Stroke Order Practice: Follow the correct stroke order (撇, 捺, 横, 竖, 横折, 横) to help remember the character's structure.
5. Common Words: Learn common words containing 合, such as 合作 (cooperation), 合同 (contract), and 合适 (suitable), to reinforce your memory.