Definitions

zhàng (noun) walking stick; cane; staff
zhàng (verb) to beat with a stick

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "杖" integrates the radical "木", signifying wood, with the component "丈", which offers phonetic value and implies concepts of length or measure, aligning with its ancestral sense of a long wooden staff. Originally denoting a simple walking aid, the term's application gradually extended to encompass ceremonial scepters denoting authority and implements used for corporal punishment, illustrating a transition from everyday utility to instruments representing social hierarchy and control. In classical literature and historical contexts, "杖" consistently refers to elongated wooden objects, yet its contextual meanings shifted to reflect changing societal practices, maintaining a fundamental link to its structural origins while acquiring layered functions over time.

Etymology Hide

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

Example Sentences Hide

他拿着拐散步。

Tā názhe guǎizhàng sànbù.

He is taking a walk with a cane.

老人用手支撑身体。

Lǎorén yòng shǒuzhàng zhīchēng shēntǐ.

The old man uses a cane to support his body.

法官下令责犯人。

Fǎguān xiàlìng zhàngzé fànrén.

The judge ordered to flog the prisoner.

在古代,刑是一种常见的刑罚。

Zài gǔdài, zhàngxíng shì yī zhǒng chángjiàn de xíngfá.

In ancient times, flogging was a common punishment.

魔术师挥动魔,变出了一只鸽子。

Móshùshī huīdòng mózhàng, biàn chūle yī zhǐ gēzi.

The magician waved his magic wand and produced a pigeon.

国王的权象征着权力与威严。

Guówáng de quánzhàng xiàngzhēng zhe quánlì yǔ wēiyán.

The king's scepter symbolizes power and majesty.

他因伤势严重,不得不扶而行。

Tā yīn shāngshì yánzhòng, bùdébù fú zhàng ér xíng.

Due to severe injuries, he had to walk leaning on a cane.

探险家依靠竹在森林中艰难前行。

Tànxiǎnjiā yīkào zhúzhàng zài sēnlín zhōng jiānnán qiánxíng.

The explorer relied on a bamboo stick to move forward艰难ly in the forest.