融合
文化融合是推动社会进步的重要力量。
Cultural fusion is an important driving force for social progress.
The process of combining or blending different elements into a unified whole.
这种新材料是多种元素的融合。
This new material is a fusion of multiple elements.
东西方文化的融合促进了贸易发展。
The fusion of Eastern and Western cultures promoted trade development.
Often used in contexts involving cultures, technologies, or materials.
In physics or chemistry: the process of nuclei combining to form a heavier nucleus with energy release.
核聚变是将两个轻核融合成一个重核的过程。
Nuclear fusion is the process of fusing two light nuclei into a heavier one.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Distinguish from '结合'
'融合' emphasizes the blending of distinct elements into a unified whole, often implying a more thorough or organic combination than '结合' (which can simply mean 'to join' or 'to combine'). For example, '文化融合' suggests a deep, intrinsic blending of cultures, whereas '文化结合' might imply a more superficial or temporary joining.
Gold Rule
Avoid literal translation of '融合' as 'melt together'
While '融合' contains the character '融' meaning 'to melt,' it is rarely used literally in modern Chinese. Instead, it almost always refers to abstract or conceptual blending (e.g., cultures, ideas, technologies).
Word Origin
The character '融' (róng) means 'to melt' or 'to blend,' originally referring to the melting of metal. '合' (hé) means 'to close,' 'to combine,' or 'to fit together.' Together, they convey the idea of blending or merging different elements into a cohesive whole.
Usage Notes
Commonly used in both abstract (e.g., cultures, ideas) and concrete (e.g., materials, technologies) contexts. Often paired with '发展' (development) or '创新' (innovation) in modern usage.