Understanding "合作" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 合作
• Pinyin: hé zuò
• Literal Meaning: "joint work" or "combined action"
• Primary Meaning: "cooperation" or "collaboration" (working together to achieve a common goal)

2. In-depth Explanation

• Context and Usage:
• "合作" is a commonly used term in both formal and informal settings to describe teamwork, partnerships, or joint efforts.
• It can refer to business collaborations, academic projects, artistic endeavors, or even everyday tasks where people work together.

• The word carries a positive connotation, emphasizing mutual benefit and shared effort.

• Character Breakdown:

• 合 (hé): Means "to combine," "to join," or "to unite."
• 作 (zuò): Means "to do," "to make," or "to work."
• Together, they form "合作," meaning "to work together."

3. Example Sentences

1. Chinese: 我们需要合作完成这个项目。
   Pinyin: Wǒmen xūyào hézuò wánchéng zhège xiàngmù.
   English: We need to cooperate to complete this project.

2. Chinese: 两家公司决定合作开发新产品。
   Pinyin: Liǎng jiā gōngsī juédìng hézuò kāifā xīn chǎnpǐn.
   English: The two companies decided to collaborate on developing a new product.

3. Chinese: 他们合作得很愉快。
   Pinyin: Tāmen hézuò de hěn yúkuài.
   English: They cooperated very happily.

Cultural Notes

• In Chinese culture, "合作" is highly valued, especially in business and education.
• The concept aligns with Confucian ideals of harmony (和谐, héxié) and collective success over individual achievement.
• In modern China, international cooperation (国际合作, guójì hézuò) is a key theme in diplomacy and trade.

Conclusion

"合作" (hé zuò) is an essential word meaning "cooperation" or "collaboration." It reflects the importance of teamwork in Chinese culture and is widely used in professional and personal contexts. Remember: 合 (hé) = "join," 作 (zuò) = "work," and together, they mean "working together."