并 (并 – bìng) is a character that’s all about togetherness and combination. Its original meaning is closely tied to this concept, and its structure provides a visual representation of this idea.

Here’s a breakdown of its evolution:

• Pictogram: The earliest forms of 并 depicted two people standing side-by-side. This simple image symbolized the idea of things being together or combined.

This visual representation of togetherness has led to several related meanings:

• And/together with: This is a common usage, indicating a combination or conjunction of things.
• Simultaneously: This emphasizes that actions or events are happening at the same time.
• To combine/merge: This refers to the act of bringing things together to form a whole.
• (Not) at all: When used before a negative, 并 strengthens the negation, like “not at all” or “not in the least.”

The character 并 is used in various contexts to express these meanings:

• 并且 (bìngqiě): And, moreover
• 合并 (hébìng): To merge, to combine
• 并列 (bìngliè): To be juxtaposed, to be in parallel
• 并不 (bìngbù): Not at all

The evolution of 并 from a simple pictogram of two people standing together to a character representing various aspects of combination and simultaneity demonstrates the versatility of the Chinese writing system. Its structure reminds us of the fundamental human experience of bringing things together, whether it’s objects, actions, or ideas.