踞

jù

居 + 𧾷

Definitions

jù to be based upon; to squat

Etymology

To sit 居 on one's feet 足; 居 also provides the pronunciation

About

踞 is a phono-semantic compound: the radical 足 (foot) on the left indicates a connection to feet, legs, or physical posture, while the right-side component 居 (to sit, reside) provides both meaning and sound. Its literal meaning is squatting, crouching, or sitting with the legs extended, a stance centered on the feet. Beyond this physical sense, the character extended to describe occupying a territory, entrenching oneself, or seizing a strategic position, often through military force. This semantic shift likens the act of crouching down in one spot to the prolonged occupation of land or strongholds by an occupying force.

Etymology Hide

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

他蹲踞在草地上休息。

Tā dūnjù zài cǎodì shàng xiūxi.

He squats on the grass to rest.

土匪盘踞了这个小镇。

Tǔfěi pánjù le zhège xiǎo zhèn.

Bandits have occupied this small town.

巨石踞在路口，挡住去路。

Jùshí jù zài lùkǒu, dǎng zhù qùlù.

A huge rock crouches at the intersection, blocking the way.

那只老鹰踞在崖顶，俯瞰大地。

Nà zhī lǎoyīng jù zài yá dǐng, fǔkàn dàdì.

That eagle perches on the cliff top, overlooking the land.

非法组织盘踞在边境地区多年。

Fēifǎ zǔzhī pánjù zài biānjìng dìqū duō nián.

The illegal organization has been entrenched in the border area for many years.

他蹲踞着身子，仔细检查地面。

Tā dūnjù zhe shēnzi, zǐxì jiǎnchá dìmiàn.

He squats down and carefully inspects the ground.

这些公司盘踞了市场的大部分份额。

Zhèxiē gōngsī pánjù le shìchǎng de dà bùfèn fèn'é.

These companies occupy most of the market share.

尽管政府多次清剿，犯罪团伙仍盘踞在城市的阴暗角落。

Jǐnguǎn zhèngfǔ duōcì qīngjiǎo, fànzuì tuánhuǒ réng pánjù zài chéngshì de yīn'àn jiǎoluò.

Despite repeated government crackdowns, criminal gangs still lurk in the dark corners of the city.

Related Characters

Component: 居

Component: 𧾷

踞