協

Ideogrammatic compound:

力 (힘 력) × 3 — represents the uniting of multiple forces.

In later script forms, an additional 十 (열 십) was introduced to signify “many” or “abundant.”

Thus the graph depicts several strengths joined together, symbolizing cooperation and unity.

In Shuowen Jiezi (說文解字):

「協，和也。从三力。」

“協 means harmony; composed of three 力 (strengths).”

This etymology expresses the idea of strengths combined in harmony, the essence of coordination and assistance.

Simplified or variant form: 叶 (엽) is occasionally used as a shorthand, particularly in historical clerical styles or compound words, though 協 remains the standard form in both traditional and Korean Hanja usage.

In Korean compounds such as 協力 and 協調, it expresses cooperation through combined strength and mutual understanding.

協力 (협력) — cooperation; joint effort

協調 (협조) — coordination; mutual adjustment

協會 (협회) — association; society

協定 (협정) — agreement; accord

協議 (협의) — consultation; conference

協商 (협상) — negotiation; discussion

交協 (교협) — mutual harmony

Book of Documents (書經 · 舜典):

「協和萬邦。」

“To harmonize the myriad states.” — a famous phrase where 協 means “to bring into accord,” describing the ruler’s virtue in uniting all regions under Heaven.

Book of Rites (禮記 · 樂記):

「禮樂交錯，以協上下。」

“Rites and music intertwine to harmonize the upper and lower [classes].”

The graph visually and conceptually represents collective strength used in unison — moral, social, or political harmony arising from cooperation.

Its meaning — to unite, assist, and harmonize — has remained consistent from classical texts to modern usage.