相同
xiāngtóng · HSK 2
be identical/alike
👬 相同 = mutual (相) + same (同) → identical to each other
相 means mutual/reciprocal and 同 means same or alike. Together they describe two things that match each other exactly. Compare with 不同 (bù tóng, different), where 不 negates the 同.
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.