Definitions

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

Etymology phono-semantic

hand

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "拳" is structured with the component "龹" positioned above "手" (hand), forming a composite that visually represents a hand curled into a fist. Etymologically, "龹" carries the connotation of curling or bending, which when combined with "手" specifies the action applied to the hand. Its original meaning referred specifically to the clenched fist, but over time its application extended to denote various forms of boxing or martial arts that utilize fist techniques, as seen in compounds like "拳术". The character's composition has consistently reflected this semantic core through its structural elements.

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.