举

• Pinyin: jǔ
• Hanzi breakdown: 举 — simplified from 舉; originally depicted hands lifting something together

Meaning

To raise; to lift. To hold something up with one's hands or arms.

Commonly used for raising hands, lifting objects, or holding things up. Also appears in many compound words like 举行 (hold an event), 举手 (raise hand), and 举例 (give an example).

Examples

1. 他举起了一个大箱子。 He lifted a big box.
2. 请把你的手举高一点。 Please raise your hand a bit higher.
3. 她举着一面小旗子走在前面。 She held up a small flag and walked in front.

Usage Guide

Context: physical action, everyday

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 请举起你的杯子。(Please raise your glass.)
• 他把孩子举过头顶。(He lifted the child above his head.)

Don't Say

• 不要说'举书看' (Don't use 举 for holding a book to read — use 拿 for holding objects normally)

Origin & History

Simplified from the traditional 舉, which originally depicted multiple hands lifting something together.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal