合伙

• Pinyin: hé huǒ
• Hanzi breakdown: 合 = 亼 + 口 — to join/combine; 伙 = 亻(person radical) + 火 (fire) — group/partner

Meaning

To form a partnership; to go into business together; to collaborate as co-partners sharing capital and responsibility.

Primarily used in business contexts to describe the formation of a business partnership or joint venture between individuals. Can also describe informal collaboration on a shared project. Legal partnerships are a distinct business entity in Chinese law. Often raises questions about profit-sharing and liability distribution among partners.

Examples

1. 两位创业者合伙开了一家网络科技公司，两年内便实现了盈利。 Two entrepreneurs partnered up to start an internet tech company, and it turned a profit within two years.
2. 他邀请大学同学合伙经营餐厅，起初进展顺利，后来因分红问题产生了矛盾。 He invited a college classmate to co-run a restaurant; things went smoothly at first, but later they clashed over profit-sharing.
3. 合伙做生意固然可以分担风险，但利益分配不当往往会伤害多年的感情。 Going into business as partners can spread risk, but unfair profit distribution often damages friendships built over many years.

Usage Guide

Context: business, entrepreneurship, finance, partnerships

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 我们打算合伙投资一处商业地产，各占百分之五十的股份。(We plan to jointly invest in a commercial property, each holding a fifty percent stake.)
• 合伙经营前一定要签好协议，明确各方的权利和义务。(Before entering a partnership, make sure to sign an agreement clearly defining each party's rights and obligations.)

Don't Say

• 合伙 for general non-business collaborative activities — use 合作 for general cooperation; 合伙 specifically implies a financial or business partnership

Origin & History

合 (together; combined) + 伙 (group; partner; gang)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal