搭

Phono-semantic compound, combining:

手 (hand) — semantic indicator for manual action, handling, assembling, riding (mounting transportation often conceptualized as being “helped by the hand”).

荅 — phonetic component, giving the reading "dap / tap".

Originally, 搭 meant to lift with the hands; to help someone ascend

From this root meaning, it expanded to:

- “to board a vehicle”

- “to put together with the hands” (assemble)

- “to match” (clothes, arrangement)

- “to cooperate, work together”

In modern Sinitic usage, 搭 carries broad meanings involving connection, joining, and cooperation.

탑승 (搭乘) — boarding (a plane, train, ship)

탑화 (搭話) — to start a conversation (classical/literary)

가탑 (加搭) — to add; to supplement (rare)

탑건 (搭建) — to build; to erect; to assemble (in writings on Chinese usage)

《清·刘鹗〈老残游记〉》 (Liu E, Qing Dynasty)

「兩人搭手而上。」

“The two of them helped each other up.”

《民国·俗语》 (Proverbs from the Republican Era)

「搭伴同行。」

“Travel together as companions.”

《近代白話文集》 (Modern vernacular literature collection)

「搭他的車去城裡。」

“Take his carriage to the city.”