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与 is the simplified version of 與, now used overwhelmingly as a conjunction meaning 'and' or a preposition meaning 'with.' The traditional 與 was a phono-semantic compound: the semantic element 舁, picturing four hands lifting or offering, conveyed 'to give, to participate,' while 牙 indicated the pronunciation. Originally denoting cooperative giving or offering, the verb 'to give' survives mainly in formal contexts; its primary grammatical function shifted to coordinating nouns and noun phrases. In simplification, the 舁 component was entirely removed, leaving 与 as a bare framework of strokes that no longer suggests the original image of collective effort.
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Example Sentences Hide
猫与狗是动物。
我与妹妹一起玩。
这本书与那本书相似。
他的成功与努力有关。
我们与老师讨论了问题。
环境保护与可持续发展至关重要。
这项政策与社会福利密切相关。
国际间的合作与交流促进了世界和平。
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