Definitions

qíng to raise; to hold up; to lift up

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "擎" is structurally formed by the semantic component "手", meaning hand, placed above the phonetic component "敬", creating a composite that inherently relates to manual action. Etymologically, it originates from the concept of lifting or upholding objects with the hands, a definition that has been maintained across its historical usage. Although the phonetic role of "敬" has become less transparent in contemporary pronunciation, the character's core meaning of elevating or supporting from below has not shifted significantly. It appears in various linguistic contexts, often denoting the act of raising something aloft with stability, such as in the compound "擎火" for holding a torch or in the figurative term "擎天" implying the support of the sky, reflecting how its compositional logic and applied sense have remained integrated throughout its development.

Example Sentences Hide

发动机引需要定期保养。

Fādòngjī yǐnqíng xūyào dìngqī bǎoyǎng.

The engine needs regular maintenance.

他双手着沉重的箱子。

Tā shuāngshǒu qíngzhe chénzhòng de xiāngzi.

He held the heavy box with both hands.

英雄是国家的天柱。

Yīngxióng shì guójiā de qíngtiānzhù.

Heroes are the pillars of the nation.

天一柱,巍然耸立。

Qíng tiān yī zhù, wēirán sǒnglì.

A pillar propping up the sky, towering majestically.

众人合力,起了倒塌的横梁。

Zhòngrén hé lì, qíng qǐle dǎotā de héngliáng.

Everyone worked together to lift up the fallen beam.

他单臂旗,走在队伍最前面。

Tā dānbì qíng qí, zǒu zài duìwu zuì qiánmiàn.

He held the flag aloft with one arm, walking at the front of the procession.

这份责任,他愿意一力起。

Zhè fèn zérèn, tā yuànyì yīlì qíng qǐ.

He is willing to shoulder this responsibility alone.

信念如巨手,住了即将倾覆的理想。

Xìnniàn rú jù shǒu, qíng zhùle jíjiāng qīngfù de lǐxiǎng.

Faith, like a giant hand, propped up the ideals that were about to collapse.