拱

• Pinyin: gǒng
• Hanzi breakdown: 拱 = 扌(hand radical) + 共 (together, joint) — both hands joined together in a curved bow

Meaning

To arch; to push upward with a curved force; an arch shape. Describes a bowing or curved pushing motion, or the arched form of structures.

Used for physical arching motions (a cat arching its back, a mole pushing up through soil) and for architectural arches. Also appears in 拱手 (to cup one's hands in a respectful gesture) and 拱桥 (arch bridge). In figurative use, 拱手相让 means to hand something over without resistance — often used critically.

Examples

1. 那只猫受到惊吓后立刻拱起背部，发出低沉的警戒声。 The cat got startled and immediately arched its back, letting out a low warning sound.
2. 石拱桥历经数百年风雨依然完好无损，见证了古代工匠的精湛技艺。 The stone arch bridge has withstood centuries of wind and rain and still remains intact, bearing witness to the superb craftsmanship of ancient builders.
3. 他竟将经营多年的公司拱手相让，令所有股东感到震惊和不解。 He actually handed over the company he’d run for years without a fight, leaving all the shareholders shocked and baffled.

Usage Guide

Context: architecture, nature, body language, idioms

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 古人见面时常拱手行礼，以示尊重。(In ancient times, people would often greet each other by cupping their hands together to show respect.)
• 施工队发现地下管道将路面拱起，形成了明显的隆起。(The construction team found that underground pipes had pushed the road surface upward, forming a noticeable bulge.)

Don't Say

• 将'拱'与'弓'混淆 — 拱 involves arching with force or forming an arch shape; 弓 is specifically a bow (the weapon) or a bowing posture; they are not interchangeable

Origin & History

Pictographic: the character depicts an arched or curved form. Core meaning relates to a bowing, curving shape or motion.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal