Definitions

quán (noun) fist
quán (noun) boxing; martial arts

Etymology phono-semantic

hand

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "拳" originally denoted a clenched fist, a meaning directly informed by its structural composition which places the semantic component "手" (hand) beneath a form associated with curling or coiling, conceptually illustrating a hand bent tightly upon itself. This etymology firmly established its core reference to the physical fist, from which its application naturally expanded to encompass the action of striking with a fist and, by extension, systematized methods of unarmed combat or boxing styles. Over the long course of its use, the character has maintained this primary physical association while also serving as a building block in terms denoting specific pugilistic traditions or, in more abstracted literary uses, conveying notions of concentrated effort or sincerity metaphorically linked to a fist's gathered strength.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

他握紧了头。

Tā wò jǐn le quántou.

He clenched his fist.

我喜欢击运动。

Wǒ xǐhuān quánjī yùndòng.

I like boxing sports.

击是一项流行的运动。

Quánjī shì yī xiàng liúxíng de yùndòng.

Boxing is a popular sport.

他每天都练习击。

Tā měi tiān dōu liànxí quánjī.

He practices boxing every day.

他用头敲了敲门。

Tā yòng quántou qiāo le qiāo mén.

He knocked on the door with his fist.

击训练需要毅力和力量。

Quánjī xùnliàn xūyào yìlì hé lìliàng.

Boxing training requires perseverance and strength.

击比赛中,他用一记重击败了对手。

Zài quánjī bǐsài zhōng, tā yòng yī jì zhòng quán jībài le duìshǒu.

In the boxing match, he defeated his opponent with a powerful punch.

要提高击技术,必须经过严格训练并掌握多种技巧。

Yào tígāo quánjī jìshù, bìxū jīngguò yángé xùnliàn bìng zhǎngwò duō zhǒng jìqiǎo.

To improve boxing skills, one must undergo rigorous training and master various techniques.