汇合

• Pinyin: huì hé
• Hanzi breakdown: 汇 = 氵+ 匚 (water radical + container, to converge/collect); 合 = 亼 + 口 (gather + mouth, to join/unite)

Meaning

To converge or come together at a single point; for rivers, troops, groups, or ideas to merge and join.

Emphasises the physical or metaphorical act of multiple distinct entities converging at one point. Frequently used for rivers merging, military units joining, or groups meeting up for a common purpose. Slightly more formal than 会合.

Examples

1. 两支搜救队伍按照预定计划在山脚下汇合，随即展开对失联登山者的联合搜索行动。 Following the plan, the two search-and-rescue teams regrouped at the foot of the mountain and immediately launched a joint search for the missing climbers.
2. 这条大河是由数条支流在平原地带汇合而成的，流域面积极为广阔。 This great river is formed where several tributaries converge on the plains, creating an extremely vast watershed.
3. 来自不同领域的专家在这次论坛上汇合，共同探讨人工智能对未来社会的深远影响。 Experts from different fields came together at this forum to discuss the far-reaching impact of artificial intelligence on future society.

Usage Guide

Context: geography, military, events, science

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 两条河流在这片盆地中汇合，形成了一条水量充沛的干流，沿岸孕育出了历史悠久的农耕文明。(The two rivers converge in this basin, forming a main stream with abundant water, nurturing an ancient agricultural civilisation along its banks.)
• 三支部队在战略要地汇合之后，整体兵力已足以对敌方阵地发动一次决定性的大规模进攻。(After the three forces converged at the strategic location, the combined strength was sufficient to launch a decisive large-scale offensive against enemy positions.)

Don't Say

• 汇合 for a casual social meetup — use 碰面 or 见面; 汇合 implies a purposeful, significant convergence of groups, forces, or flows, not a casual encounter

Origin & History

汇 (converge/collect) + 合 (join/unite) — to converge and unite at a point

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal