整合
zhěnghé · HSK 7
integrate
🧩 整 (whole, to arrange) + 合 (join, combine) = arrange parts into a whole = integrate
整 carries the sense of orderly or to put in order; 合 means to join or unite. Integration is literally ordering separate pieces and joining them into one coherent whole. The sound zhěnghé pairs the zh- of 整 with the hé of 合.
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.'
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.