同步
tóngbù · HSK 7
synchronize
同步 = 同 same + 步 step: moving in the same step = synchronize
同 means same and 步 means step or pace. Two things taking the same step at the same time are synchronized. The bù in tóngbù is the same 步 as in 步行 buxing, to walk on foot.
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.
步 — two feet: 止 (foot) on top + 止 inverted below
Originally a pictograph showing two footprints, one above the other, representing the act of walking step by step. The top 止 is a left foot and the bottom is a right foot, capturing alternating strides. The meaning extended from 'step' to 'pace,' 'stage,' or 'walk.'