组合

• Pinyin: zǔ hé
• Hanzi breakdown: 组 = 纟 (silk) + 且 (moreover), meaning to organise or group; 合 = 人 (person) + 一 (one) + 口 (mouth), meaning to join or close

Meaning

To combine; combination. Refers to putting different elements together to form a whole.

Used both as a verb (to combine or assemble) and a noun (a combination or group). Common in everyday contexts like furniture assembly, team formation, and music groups. In Chinese pop culture, 组合 specifically refers to music groups or boy/girl bands. Also used in mathematics and technology.

Examples

1. 这几种颜色组合在一起很好看。 These colours look great when combined together.
2. 他们是一个很受欢迎的音乐组合。 They are a very popular music group.
3. 把这些材料组合起来就能做一道新菜。 Combining these ingredients together can make a new dish.

Usage Guide

Context: creativity, everyday, entertainment

Tone: descriptive

Do Say

• 这个组合的搭配很有创意。(This combination is very creative.)
• 不同的食材组合可以做出不同的菜。(Different ingredient combinations can make different dishes.)

Don't Say

• 我们组合了一个会议。(Don't use 组合 for organising events — use 组织; 组合 is for combining elements or objects, not arranging activities)

Origin & History

组 (to organise, group) + 合 (to combine, together). Together meaning 'to organise together' or 'a combination.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal