About
The character "鞠" is a phono-semantic compound incorporating the radical "革" for leather and the component "匊" which provides both phonetic value and an associated meaning of bending or curving, suggesting an initial connection to flexible leather objects. This etymological foundation led to its early application denoting a leather ball stuffed with feathers, central to the ancient sport of cuju, from which the character’s usage extended to refer to the game itself. Over time, the semantic field of "鞠" broadened to include concepts of thorough investigation or interrogation, likely derived from the meticulous attention involved in both crafting the ball and engaging in play, while the inherent idea of bending also evolved into expressions of reverence, as in the term for bowing. Despite maintaining its structural integrity, the character’s meanings have thus shifted and multiplied in response to cultural and linguistic developments.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
演员向观众鞠躬。
他每次演出后都鞠躬。
为表达感谢，他鞠躬致意。
在典礼上，主持人鞠躬欢迎来宾。
父母鞠养子女成人。
他鞠躬时显得非常诚恳。
在传统文化中，鞠躬是一种重要礼节。
经过多年的鞠育，这些孩子终于成才。