About
The character 拱 is structured with the hand radical 扌 on the left and the phonetic component 共 on the right, signaling its original association with manual actions. Its etymology derives from the concrete act of cupping or joining the hands together, often in a respectful salute or to hold something with both hands. From this primary sense, the meaning expanded to describe any curved or arching shape that resembles the posture of the hands, such as in architectural terms for a vault or arched bridge. This conceptual extension then led to verbal uses implying surrounding or encircling, as seen in contexts where 拱 denotes forming a protective ring or pushing forward with a curved motion.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
他向我拱了拱手。
那座拱桥很古老。
我们穿过了拱门。
小猪用鼻子拱土。
孩子们在拱形门下玩耍。
这座石拱桥历史悠久。
他拱手让出了领导位置。
为了表示尊敬，他拱着手向长辈行礼。