秉

bǐng

コ + 一 + 禾

Definitions

bǐng (verb) to grasp; to hold; to maintain

Etymology

Depicts a hand (又) holding a grain stalk (禾). Similar in origin to 兼.

About

秉 is an ideogrammatic compound that combines 禾 (grain) and 又 (hand), creating a clear picture of a hand holding a grain stalk. This depiction gave it the original meaning of holding or grasping something physically. Over centuries, the meaning expanded well beyond agriculture to encompass upholding abstract principles, wielding authority, and executing duties. In modern usage, 秉 often describes individuals who firmly adhere to their values, govern with a particular mindset, or conduct affairs with steadfastness. Thus, the character's structure joins the concrete act of harvesting with the broader domain of exerting control over both tangible and intangible matters.

Etymology Hide

Oracle etymology image

Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)

Bronze etymology image

Bronze Late Shang dynasty (~1100 BC)

Bronze etymology image

Bronze Late Shang dynasty (~1100 BC)

Bronze etymology image

Bronze Late Western Zhou (~800 BC)

Bronze etymology image

Bronze Early Warring States (~400 BC)

Seal etymology image

Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)

Seal etymology image

Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)

Seal etymology image

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Clerical etymology image

Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)

Clerical etymology image

Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)

Clerical etymology image

Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

他秉承传统工艺。

Tā bǐngchéng chuántǒng gōngyì.

He adheres to traditional craftsmanship.

公司秉承客户至上的理念。

Gōngsī bǐngchéng kèhù zhìshàng de lǐniàn.

The company upholds the principle of putting customers first.

我们必须秉公处理此事。

Wǒmen bìxū bǐnggōng chǔlǐ cǐ shì.

We must handle this matter impartially.

这位法官以秉公执法闻名。

Zhè wèi fǎguān yǐ bǐnggōng zhífǎ wénmíng.

This judge is famous for enforcing the law impartially.

他一直秉持有教无类的教育思想。

Tā yīzhí bǐngchéng yǒu jiào wú lèi de jiàoyù sīxiǎng.

He has always adhered to the educational philosophy of teaching without discrimination.

在调查中，记者秉持了客观中立的立场。

Zài diàochá zhōng, jìzhě bǐngchí le kèguān zhōnglì de lìchǎng.

During the investigation, the journalist maintained an objective and neutral stance.

处理国际事务应秉承相互尊重的原则。

Chǔlǐ guójì shìwù yīng bǐngchéng xiānghù zūnzhòng de yuánzé.

Handling international affairs should adhere to the principle of mutual respect.

这位外交官始终秉执着一贯的务实外交风格。

Zhè wèi wàijiāoguān shǐzhōng bǐng zhízhe yíguàn de wùshí wàijiāo fēnggé.

This diplomat consistently maintains a pragmatic diplomatic style.

Related Characters

Component: コ

Component: 一

Component: 禾

Example Words