整个
zhěng gè · HSK 3
entire
🥧 整 = whole/neat + 个 = individual measure word → the entire one
整 means whole or to put in order; 个 is the generic measure word for a single item. Together 整个 literally stacks whole + one-unit, meaning the entire thing as a single complete unit.
整 — 束 bundle + 攵 tap/strike + 正 correct/upright
A compound character combining 敕 (to arrange, with 束 'bundle' and 攵 'strike/action') over 正 ('upright, correct'). The image is of striking a bundle into proper alignment, giving the meaning 'to put in order, arrange neatly.' From this came senses of 'whole, complete, tidy.'
个 — person 人 over enclosure-like component (simplified from 個)
个 is the simplified form of 個, originally a measure word for bamboo stalks. The traditional form combines 人 (person) with 固 (firm, phonetic). Over time it became the most common general-purpose measure word in Chinese, used for people and many objects without a specific classifier.