About
弩 is a phono-semantic compound that combines the semantic radical 弓 'bow' and the phonetic 奴. The 弓 radical establishes the meaning of a projectile weapon, while 奴 indicates the sound. The fused character specifically means 'crossbow', a mechanical bow that uses a trigger mechanism to launch projectiles. This design represented a notable mechanical improvement over the traditional hand-drawn bow. As a term, it is consistently employed as the clear and unambiguous noun for this weapon in contexts of military history, archery, and literature.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
这是一把弩。
他买了一把新弩。
弩箭射中了目标。
士兵用弩防守城墙。
这把弩的威力很大。
古代战争中弩很重要。
他熟练地操作弩弓。
弩的结构比弓复杂。
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