About
The character "拜" originates from an early pictographic representation of two hands brought together in a gesture of reverence, a concept embedded in its modern structure which combines the hand radical with a component implying repeated or emphatic hand action. Initially, this form denoted the physical act of bowing or prostration within ceremonial worship or homage to authority, reflecting its primary use in ritualistic contexts. Over time, its semantic range expanded to encompass more secular acts of courtesy, such as formal visits and polite greetings, while retaining its core association with showing respect. This gradual shift allowed the character to adapt to broader social interactions, now serving as a verb for actions ranging from worship and veneration to the acknowledgment of others, often seen in compound words that clarify these specific applications.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
我今天去拜访他。
我们崇拜英雄。
她拜访了老师。
他拜师学艺。
春节时我们拜年。
我们必须拜谢他的帮助。
他虔诚地拜佛。
在仪式上他们跪拜祖先。