弓

gōng

HSK 3.0Level 7

Definitions

gōng (noun) a bow

Etymology

Pictograph of a bow for shooting arrows.

About

The character 弓 is a pictograph of an unstrung archery bow, showing its curved wooden or composite frame designed for shooting arrows. It functions as a noun meaning "bow" and as a radical that categorizes characters related to archery, curved shapes, tension, and weapons. Its arched shape lends itself to describing anything that bends like a bow, from physical objects and terrain to bodily postures.

Etymology Hide

Oracle etymology image

Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)

Oracle etymology image

Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)

Oracle etymology image

Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)

Bronze etymology image

Bronze Early Western Zhou (~1000 BC)

Bronze etymology image

Bronze Mid Western Zhou (~900 BC)

Bronze etymology image

Bronze Mid Western Zhou (~900 BC)

Seal etymology image

Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)

Seal etymology image

Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)

Seal etymology image

Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)

Seal etymology image

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Clerical etymology image

Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)

Clerical etymology image

Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)

Clerical etymology image

Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

这是一把新的弓。

Zhè shì yī bǎ xīn de gōng.

This is a new bow.

他喜欢拉弓射箭。

Tā xǐhuān lā gōng shè jiàn.

He likes to draw the bow and shoot arrows.

弓箭是古代武器。

Gōngjiàn shì gǔdài wǔqì.

Bows and arrows are ancient weapons.

弓弦需要定期更换。

Gōngxián xūyào dìngqī gēnghuàn.

Bowstrings need to be replaced regularly.

那座桥呈弓形。

Nà zuò qiáo chéng gōng xíng.

That bridge is arc-shaped.

孩子们用弹弓打鸟。

Háizimen yòng dàngōng dǎ niǎo.

The children use slingshots to hit birds.

运动员弯弓准备射击。

Yùndòngyuán wān gōng zhǔnbèi shèjī.

The athlete bends the bow preparing to shoot.

弓背的姿势不利于健康。

Gōng bèi de zīshì bù lìyú jiànkāng.

The posture of arching the back is not good for health.

Related Characters

Composed characters:

Component: 弓

Example Words