About
The character 拘 is structured as a phono-semantic compound comprising the hand radical 手 on the left and the component 句 on the right, which primarily functions as a phonetic indicator. Etymologically, this construction reflects an early association with manual actions, specifically seizing or detaining, leading to its core historical meanings of arrest or physical restraint. Over time, its semantic application expanded to include abstract notions of constraint, such as inflexibility in conduct or strict adherence to formalities, while maintaining the same structural elements of 手 and 句 that have consistently signaled its connection to concepts of confinement.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
不要拘束自己。
他被警察拘留了。
她拘谨地笑了笑。
别拘泥于旧观念。
他的拘捕令已经签发。
在正式场合，他显得很拘束。
法律对拘留时间有严格规定。
由于证据不足，警方无法拘捕嫌疑人。