协同
xié tóng · HSK 7
to cooperate
🤝 协 = together/joint + 同 = same; acting jointly toward the same goal
协 carries the sense of joining forces (its parts include 十 many + 力 strength), and 同 means same or together. Combined: many strengths working as one — to coordinate and collaborate.
同 — 冂 enclosure + 一 + 口 mouth
Originally depicted multiple mouths gathered under one cover or enclosure, suggesting people speaking together in agreement. From this image of voices joining, it came to mean 'same,' 'together,' or 'alike.' The shared cover symbolizes unity.