About
The character 援 combines the hand radical 扌 with the component 爰, the latter serving as a phonetic element and carrying connotations of pulling or leading. Historically, its core meaning involved physical acts such as pulling, reaching, or holding, which is evident in early Chinese literature. Over time, this sense extended metaphorically to signify providing aid or assistance, as in the compound 援助. Furthermore, it developed the meaning of quoting or citing, derived from the idea of drawing upon sources. These shifts illustrate how the character's applications broadened from tangible actions to include abstract concepts of support and reference.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
救援队迅速出动。
国际组织提供了医疗援助。
在困难时期，朋友互相支援。
他援引了法律条文来辩护。
这项政策旨在援救经济困境中的企业。
政府决定向灾区增派援手。
通过外交途径寻求外部援助是常见做法。
在辩论中，他多次援引权威数据以增强说服力。