倂

Phono-semantic compound composed of:

亻(人) — semantic component, meaning “person,” indicating human action, cooperation, or relation.

幷 (아우를 병) — phonetic component, providing the sound byeong and also contributing the meaning “to unite; to bring together.”

Thus, 倂 literally depicts “people acting together in union.”

It embodies the concept of joining hands, combining strength, or fusing into one purpose.

The standard modern form commonly used is 并 (병) or its variant 併 (병).

In classical orthography, 倂 emphasized the human aspect of uniting, while 幷 and 併 expressed the structural sense of merging.

倂用 (병용) — to use together; to combine in use

倂立 (병립) — to stand together; coexist

倂行 (병행) — to go together; to carry out simultaneously

倂合 (병합) — to merge; to unite into one

倂存 (병존) — to coexist

倂發 (병발) — to occur simultaneously; co-occurrence

倂進 (병진) — to advance together

倂論 (병론) — to discuss together; collective consideration

倂發展 (병발전) — parallel development

In modern writing, 併 is more often used in these compounds, but 倂 appears in early and classical texts.

In ancient Chinese texts, 倂 and 幷 were often interchangeable, both expressing unity, consolidation, or cooperation.

In political and military contexts, 倂 meant to annex or unify territories, as in 倂國 (병국) — “to merge states.”

In moral or philosophical contexts, it referred to harmonious coexistence, joining principles or virtues without conflict.

「倂心而一志，則無難不克。」

“When hearts are united and wills are one, there is no difficulty that cannot be overcome.”

This sentiment reflects the Confucian and Mohist ideals of cooperation over division, harmony over strife —

a recognition that unity strengthens both families and nations.

倂 symbolizes union through human cooperation.

The person radical (亻) grounds it in social harmony and collective effort, while the phonetic 幷 reinforces the idea of bringing separate parts together.

It represents integration, teamwork, and reconciliation — the act of transcending division to form a greater whole.

「倂而不雜，合而不亂。」

“United yet not confused, joined yet not chaotic.”

Such is the balance of true unity: harmony without loss of individuality.

倂 teaches that strength arises from union — not forced uniformity, but cooperative harmony.

Whether in relationships, governance, or learning, integration deepens understanding and multiplies strength.

「倂德而行，天下可化。」

“When virtues are united in action, the world may be transformed.”

Thus, 倂 stands as a character of unity, cooperation, and synthesis — a reminder that lasting strength comes not from isolation, but from the wise and willing joining of hearts and hands.