Definitions

gōng (noun) a bow

Etymology

Pictograph of a bow for shooting arrows.

About

弓 is a pictograph tracing the curved form of an unstrung bow. It stands alone as a noun for the archery weapon itself, and also serves as a key radical, categorizing characters related to archery, curvature, tension, and weaponry. Its distinct bent shape is often extended metaphorically to describe objects, landscapes, or postures with a similar arched profile.

Etymology Hide

Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Early Western Zhou (~1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Mid Western Zhou (~900 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Mid Western Zhou (~900 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 Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

这是一把新的

Zhè shì yī bǎ xīn de gōng.

This is a new bow.

他喜欢拉射箭。

Tā xǐhuān lā gōng shè jiàn.

He likes to draw the bow and shoot arrows.

箭是古代武器。

Gōngjiàn shì gǔdài wǔqì.

Bows and arrows are ancient weapons.

弦需要定期更换。

Gōngxián xūyào dìngqī gēnghuàn.

Bowstrings need to be replaced regularly.

那座桥呈形。

Nà zuò qiáo chéng gōng xíng.

That bridge is arc-shaped.

孩子们用弹打鸟。

Háizimen yòng dàngōng dǎ niǎo.

The children use slingshots to hit birds.

运动员弯准备射击。

Yùndòngyuán wān gōng zhǔnbèi shèjī.

The athlete bends the bow preparing to shoot.

背的姿势不利于健康。

Gōng bèi de zīshì bù lìyú jiànkāng.

The posture of arching the back is not good for health.