复合
fù hé , fù hé · HSK 7
compound
🧬 复 = repeat/again + 合 = join/combine → joined again = compound
复 (fù) means repeat or compound, 合 (hé) means to join or combine. Together they describe something composed of multiple parts joined together — a compound or composite. Used for compound interest, compound words, hybrids.
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.