合格
hégé · HSK 3
qualify
✅ 合 = combine/fit + 格 = standard → fit the standard, i.e. qualify
合 means 'to fit/join' and 格 means 'standard/grid/frame'. Together: to fit the frame, meaning to meet the standard or qualify. Common on exam results and product checks.
合 — 乛 (lid/roof) + 口 (mouth)
Originally a pictograph of a lidded vessel — a cover (亼) closing over an opening (口) — giving the core sense of 'come together, join, fit.' From 'fit/match' it extended to 'combine, unite, agree' and to measure-word uses. The reading hé reflects this 'joining' meaning.
格 — wood 木 + 各 (each, phonetic)
格 is a semantic-phonetic compound: 木 (wood) gives the meaning, originally referring to a wooden frame, lattice, or crossbar, while 各 supplies the sound. From 'frame/grid' the meaning extended to 'pattern, standard, style' and the modern senses of 'square (in a grid)' and 'character/disposition'.