切合 (qiè hé) — to suit, to fit, to be appropriate for

Definition

Used when something (a plan, answer, design) closely matches what is needed or appropriate. Implies a precise, tailored fit rather than a general suitability.

to suitto fitto be appropriate for

Examples

  • 切合。
    Zhè ge jì huà hěn qiè hé shí jì.
    This plan fits reality well.
  • 切合。
    Wǒ men xū yào yí gè qiè hé dāng qián xū qiú de fāng àn.
    We need a plan that suits current needs.
  • 切合。
    Tā de huí dá qiè hé tí yì.
    His answer fitted the topic of the question.

Origin

Compound word
构词法gòucífǎ
联合liánhéSide by side

Two parts of equal weight, alike or opposite in meaning, standing side by side.

切qièfit
合héagree

切 and 合 both mean to fit or agree, so together they mean to suit or fit closely.

Characters in this word

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
刀刀dāoknife
Sound part声符shēngfú
七
七qī切qiè
The sound has drifted apartThe sound part was a clue two thousand years ago — it often still helps, but not always.

In 切, the 刀 (knife) part is joined to 七, which gives the sound.

Open 切 →

Two or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.

合 shows 亼 and 口 arranged as two mouths speaking together.

Open 合 →

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