Definitions

xié (verb) to cooperate; to assist; to help
xié (verb) to harmonize

Etymology

Simplified form of . Phonosemantic compound. represents the sound and represents the meaning.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "协", representing cooperation or joint action, finds its origin in the traditional form "協", which structurally integrates three "力" components signifying individual forces or efforts with a "十" element denoting gathering or unity, thereby visually conveying the concept of combined strength. Etymologically, this construction underscores the principle of collective endeavor and harmonious collaboration. Throughout its historical usage, the character's core meaning has persistently centered on mutual assistance and coordinated activity, a continuity reflected in its employment within compounds related to agreements and shared work. The simplified form "协" maintains the "十" component while modifying the rest, yet the fundamental semantic association with working together remains integral to its identity.

Etymology Hide

Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Shang dynasty (~1100 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Western Zhou (~800 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Cao Wei (Three Kingdoms: 222-280 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

我们作完成工作。

wǒ men xié zuò wán chéng gōng zuò.

We cooperate to complete the work.

他们商了很长时间。

tā men xié shāng le hěn cháng shí jiān.

They negotiated for a long time.

会支持这个计划。

xié huì zhī chí zhè ge jì huà.

The association supports this plan.

双方签订了和平定。

shuāng fāng qiān dìng le hé píng xié dìng.

Both sides signed a peace agreement.

调不同意见需要技巧。

xié tiáo bù tóng yì jiàn xū yào jì qiǎo.

Coordinating different opinions requires skill.

各部门必须同作战。

gè bù mén bì xū xié tóng zuò zhàn.

All departments must collaborate in the operation.

社会各界力促进发展。

shè huì gè jiè xié lì cù jìn fā zhǎn.

All sectors of society work together to promote development.

经过反复商,双方终于达成了一项互利共赢的议。

jīng guò fǎn fù xié shāng, shuāng fāng zhōng yú dá chéng le yī xiàng hù lì gòng yíng de xié yì.

After repeated negotiations, both parties finally reached a mutually beneficial and win-win agreement.