柄

bǐng

Rank #2241

Definitions

bǐng handle or shaft (of an axe etc); (of a flower, leaf or fruit) stem; sth that affords an advantage to an opponent; classifier for knives or blades

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. 木 represents the meaning and 丙 represents the sound.

Semantic: 木 Phonetic: 丙

About

The character "柄" is structured as a phono-semantic compound, combining the wood radical "木" to indicate its association with wooden objects and the component "丙" which primarily provides phonetic guidance. Its etymological origin lies in denoting the handle of a tool or weapon, typically fashioned from wood, a meaning that later expanded to include the stem or stalk of a plant in botanical terminology. Over time, the semantic scope of "柄" broadened metaphorically, allowing it to convey abstract notions of power or authority, as evident in classical and modern compounds, thus reflecting a shift from tangible instrument to conceptual leverage.

Etymology Hide

Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)

Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)

Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

这把伞的柄断了。

zhè bǎ sǎn de bǐng duàn le.

The handle of this umbrella broke.

刀柄上刻有花纹。

dāo bǐng shàng kè yǒu huā wén.

There are patterns carved on the knife handle.

别让人抓住你的把柄。

bié ràng rén zhuā zhù nǐ de bǎ bǐng.

Don't let others catch your handle (i.e., don't give them leverage).

他的失误成了笑柄。

tā de shī wù chéng le xiào bǐng.

His mistake became a laughingstock.

掌握权柄的人要负责任。

zhǎng wò quán bǐng de rén yào fù zé rèn.

Those who hold power must take responsibility.

由于把柄落在对方手里，他不得不妥协。

yóu yú bǎ bǐng luò zài duì fāng shǒu lǐ, tā bù dé bù tuǒ xié.

Since leverage fell into the opponent's hands, he had to compromise.

那个腐败官员的权柄最终被剥夺了。

nà gè fǔ bài guān yuán de quán bǐng zuì zhōng bèi bō duó le.

That corrupt official's power was eventually stripped away.

在历史上，许多统治者因滥用权柄而失去民心。

zài lì shǐ shàng, xǔ duō tǒng zhì zhě yīn làn yòng quán bǐng ér shī qù mín xīn.

In history, many rulers lost popular support due to abusing power.

Related Characters

Component: 丙

Component: 木

Components

丙木

柄