`配合` is a cornerstone of social and professional interaction in China, deeply rooted in the cultural value of collectivism (集体主义, jítǐ zhǔyì) and the pursuit of harmony (和谐, héxié). In many Western cultures, “cooperation” often implies a negotiation between independent individuals who agree to work together, but may still strongly emphasize their individual roles and contributions. `配合`, on the other hand, places the emphasis on the group and the overall process. It's about subjugating one's own immediate preferences for the good of the team, the project, or the social situation. For example, an American employee might “cooperate” with a manager's plan by completing their assigned tasks. A Chinese employee showing good `配合` would not only complete their tasks but also actively anticipate the manager's needs, support colleagues without being asked, and do everything possible to ensure the manager's plan succeeds smoothly. Refusing to `配合` is seen not just as being uncooperative, but as being disruptive, selfish, and a threat to group harmony. It’s the cultural opposite of the “rugged individualist” ideal; instead, value is placed on being a supportive, reliable, and integrated part of the whole.
`配合` is an extremely common word used in various contexts, from the workplace to the doctor's office.
Its connotation is almost always positive. To say someone is good at `配合` is a high compliment.
The most common point of confusion for learners is the difference between `配合 (pèihé)` and `合作 (hézuò)`.