About
The character '拱' is structured as a phono-semantic compound, combining the hand radical to indicate manual action with the component '共' which provides phonetic guidance and a sense of gathering or togetherness. Its earliest meanings centered on the physical gesture of bringing the hands together before the chest, a formal salute that implied respect or greeting. From this concrete action, the term gradually expanded to describe any similar motion where the hands push or hold something in a curved shape, and by analogy, it began to denote architectural features that mimic this arched form, such as vaults or bridges. This semantic evolution reflects a shift from a specific human gesture to a more abstract concept of curvature and supportive structure.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
他向我拱了拱手。
那座拱桥很古老。
我们穿过了拱门。
小猪用鼻子拱土。
孩子们在拱形门下玩耍。
这座石拱桥历史悠久。
他拱手让出了领导位置。
为了表示尊敬，他拱着手向长辈行礼。