統合
とうごう · tougou · JLPT N1 · noun
unification
🧩 統 = unify + 合 = join: 統合 = unify by joining parts into one whole
統 means unify or govern, and 合 means join or combine. Together, 統合 is joining separate parts into one unified whole, like fitting puzzle pieces together.
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.