About
拜 is an ideogrammatic compound depicting two hands joined in a ceremonial gesture. Its modern form combines the hand radical 手 on the left with a modified right-hand component, together illustrating hands brought together in reverence. The character originally depicted the physical act of kneeling, joining the hands, and bowing the head to the ground, a full prostration showing submission to a higher authority or deity. Over time, its meaning expanded from this specific act to encompass worshiping gods, paying formal respects to elders, or offering polite greetings during festivals. It also describes formally accepting a high official position or acknowledging someone as a master or teacher.
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。