合成 héchéng to compose
to compose; to constitute; compound; synthesis; mixture; synthetic
How to remember 合成: 合 join together + 成 to become = to compose.
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How it is used
- To combine parts into a new whole - 合成材料 (héchéng cáiliào) synthetic materials, 合成词 a compound word.
- Key nuance: the result is man-made/synthesized from components, so 合成 often translates as 'synthetic' (合成纤维 synthetic fiber, 合成图片 a composite image).