Definitions

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

Etymology

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

About

The character "秉" derives from an early ideogram depicting a hand clasping a stalk of grain, a composition still evident in its modern form through the elements "禾" representing grain and a hand component. Its original concrete meaning of physically holding or carrying gradually extended to abstract applications, such as upholding principles or wielding authority, which is reflected in terms like "秉公" for acting impartially or "秉性" for inherent nature. This semantic expansion from literal to figurative use occurred while the character's structure remained largely unchanged, preserving its etymological roots in a visual metaphor for grasp and control.

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

承传统工艺。

Tā bǐngchéng chuántǒng gōngyì.

He adheres to traditional craftsmanship.

公司承客户至上的理念。

Gōngsī bǐngchéng kèhù zhìshàng de lǐniàn.

The company upholds the principle of putting customers first.

我们必须公处理此事。

Wǒmen bìxū bǐnggōng chǔlǐ cǐ shì.

We must handle this matter impartially.

这位法官以公执法闻名。

Zhè wèi fǎguān yǐ bǐnggōng zhífǎ wénmíng.

This judge is famous for enforcing the law impartially.

他一直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.