同盟
tóng méng · HSK 7
alliance
🤝 同 same/together + 盟 sworn oath = those who swear the same oath = an alliance
同 (tóng) means same or together; 盟 (méng) means a sworn pact or league. Allies are parties bound by one shared oath. Sound cue: tóng méng starts like tongue, the thing that speaks the vow.
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.