About
The character 掌, constructed from the semantic element 手 (hand) and the phonetic component 尚, originally referred concretely to the palm of the hand in early Chinese usage. This nominal sense naturally gave rise to verbal applications such as to slap or to hold something in the hand, which then facilitated a semantic expansion into domains of management and control, evident in compounds like 掌管 (to administer) and 掌权 (to hold power). Thus, while retaining its fundamental association with the physical hand, the character acquired layered meanings through metaphorical extension, reflecting a shift from purely physical to abstract functional concepts.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
他拍了拍手掌。
掌心朝上放平。
他掌握了基本技能。
船长亲自掌舵。
他是公司的掌门人。
掌上电脑很方便。
他现在掌权了。
她掌管着整个部门的运营。