Definitions

gōng (adjective) respectful; deferential

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. ⺗ represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

恭 is a phono-semantic compound with the semantic heart radical ⺗ at its base, signifying an emotional or psychological state. The upper component 共 serves as the phonetic element, also contributing a secondary sense of sharing or bringing together. Its core meaning has consistently centered on reverence, deep respect, politeness, and sincere deference toward others. The inclusion of the heart radical emphasizes that true respect must stem from genuine internal feeling, not merely outward action. This character frequently appears in expressions of congratulations or formal greetings, reflecting an attitude of courteous deference rooted in internal sentiment.

Etymology Hide

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)
Seal etymology image
Seal Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Cao Wei (Three Kingdoms: 222-280 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Wu (Three Kingdoms: 222-280 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

敬地行礼。

Ta gongjing de xingli.

He bowed respectfully.

喜你考试通过。

Gongxi ni kaoshi tongguo.

Congratulations on passing the exam.

她对老师很敬。

Ta dui laoshi hen gongjing.

She is very respectful to the teacher.

请不要维我。

Qing buyao gongwei wo.

Please don't flatter me.

敬敬地站着。

Ta gonggongjingjing de zhanzhe.

He stood respectfully.

贺新禧是春节的习俗。

Gonghe xinxi shi chunjie de xisu.

Congratulations for the new year is a custom of Spring Festival.

尽管他内心不满,表面仍敬如常。

Jinguan ta neixin buman, biaomian reng gongjing ruchang.

Although he was dissatisfied inside, he remained respectful on the surface as usual.

我们必须以敬的态度对待传统文化。

Women bixu yi gongjing de taidu duidai chuantong wenhua.

We must treat traditional culture with a respectful attitude.