Definitions

qiè to raise; to lift; to take along (e.g. one's family)

Etymology phono-semantic

hand

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "挈" is structured with the semantic component "手" for hand and the phonetic component "契", a composition that aligns with its original sense of lifting or carrying by hand. Its meaning later expanded to include abstract actions such as leading or assisting, as observable in compounds like "提挈". This semantic development corresponds with the consistent use of the components "契" and "手" in the character's form.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern