Definitions

to greet by raising clasped hands

Etymology phono-semantic

hand

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "揖" is constructed from the hand radical paired with a phonetic component, illustrating its inherent connection to a physical act of respect performed with the hands. Etymologically, it has consistently denoted the formal gesture of bowing with joined palms, a salutation embedded in ritual conduct. Its structural composition has remained stable, and the meaning has retained this specific focus on courteous greeting across centuries, with classical usage often reinforcing its ceremonial significance without substantial semantic shift.

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

Example Sentences Hide

他恭敬地向老师作

Tā gōngjìng de xiàng lǎoshī zuòyī.

He bowed respectfully to the teacher.

客人在门前拱手作

Kèrén zài mén qián gǒngshǒu zuòyī.

The guest bowed with hands folded in front of the door.

这位老者让的姿势十分标准。

Zhè wèi lǎozhě yīràng de zīshì shífēn biāozhǔn.

This old man's bowing gesture is very standard.

他向大家作,感谢他们的帮助。

Tā xiàng dàjiā zuòyī, gǎnxiè tāmen de bāngzhù.

He bowed to everyone, thanking them for their help.

双方代表互相作后才开始谈判。

Shuāngfāng dàibiǎo hùxiāng zuòyī hòu cái kāishǐ tánpàn.

The representatives from both sides bowed to each other before starting the negotiation.

他并没有鞠躬,只是简单地作了个

Tā bìng méiyǒu jūgōng, zhǐshì jiǎndān de zuòle gè yī.

He didn't bow deeply, but simply made a bow with hands folded.

这种传统的礼如今已不多见。

Zhè zhǒng chuántǒng de yīlǐ rújīn yǐ bù duō jiàn.

This traditional bowing etiquette is rarely seen nowadays.

我们必须懂得古代让之礼的内涵。

Wǒmen bìxū dǒngdé gǔdài yīràng zhī lǐ de nèihán.

We must understand the meaning behind the ancient rites of bowing and deference.