Definitions

pěng (verb) to hold up with both hands; to cup hands
pěng (verb) to praise excessively; to flatter

Etymology

An offering  made with two hands  also provides the pronunciation

About

The character "捧" originates from the component "奉", which itself conveyed the notion of offering or presenting with both hands, and through the incorporation of the hand radical on the left, it specifically denotes actions involving manual support or elevation. Constructed as a phono-semantic compound, the element "奉" provides phonetic guidance while the radical anchors its meaning in physical hand movements. Initially describing the concrete act of holding or carrying something carefully with both hands, the term gradually expanded to include figurative applications, such as the act of flattering or promoting someone, reflecting a conceptual shift from physical lifting to symbolic uplift. This semantic development illustrates how the character's inherent idea of supported elevation has been extended metaphorically, all while its structural composition has remained consistent across time.

Example Sentences Hide

他把书在手里。

Tā bǎ shū pěng zài shǒu lǐ.

He held the book in his hands.

她小心翼翼地起小猫。

Tā xiǎoxīnyìyì de pěng qǐ xiǎo māo.

She carefully picked up the kitten.

观众们腹大笑。

Guānzhòngmen pěngfù dàxiào.

The audience roared with laughter.

他是被导演红的新演员。

Tā shì bèi dǎoyǎn pěng hóng de xīn yǎnyuán.

He is a new actor made famous by the director.

粉丝们着鲜花在机场等候。

Fěnsīmen pěng zhe xiānhuā zài jīchǎng děnghòu.

Fans were waiting at the airport holding bouquets of flowers.

这位主持人很会场,气氛非常活跃。

Zhè wèi zhǔchírén hěn huì pěngchǎng, qìfēn fēicháng huóyuè.

This host is very good at cheering people on, making the atmosphere very lively.

别总着他,该批评的时候也得批评。

Bié zǒng pěng zhe tā, gāi pīpíng de shíhou yě děi pīpíng.

Don't always flatter him; you should also criticize when necessary.

他虽然嘴上着老板的方案,心里却并不认同。

Tā suīrán zuǐ shang pěng zhe lǎobǎn de fāng'àn, xīnli què bìng bù rèntóng.

Although he verbally praised the boss's proposal, he didn't actually agree with it in his heart.