拳

• Pinyin: quán
• Hanzi breakdown: 拳 = 龹 + 手 (roll + hand — a hand curled into a fist)

Meaning

A fist; boxing; martial arts; to curl into a fist shape. Refers to the closed hand, combat sports, and traditional Chinese martial arts.

Encompasses boxing (拳击), traditional martial arts forms (太极拳 — Tai Chi, 咏春拳 — Wing Chun), and the fist gesture itself. Common expressions include 拳头 (fist), 打拳 (to practise martial arts), and 一拳 (one punch).

Examples

1. 他自幼习武，太极拳、形意拳、八卦掌样样精通，功夫十分了得。 He has practiced martial arts since childhood and is proficient in tai chi, xingyiquan, and baguazhang—his skills are truly impressive.
2. 职业拳击手每天要进行高强度的体能训练和技术练习，才能保持竞技状态。 Professional boxers have to do high-intensity conditioning and technical training every day to stay in competitive form.
3. 清晨的公园里，老人们正悠然自得地打着太极拳，享受着宁静的时光。 In the park early in the morning, older people practice tai chi at an unhurried pace, enjoying the quiet moments.

Usage Guide

Context: martial arts, sports, combat, exercise

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 中国传统武术中的各种拳法不仅是格斗技艺，更蕴含着深厚的哲学思想和文化内涵。(Various boxing styles in traditional Chinese martial arts are not only combat techniques but also contain profound philosophical thought and cultural connotations.)
• 他一拳打在沙袋上，发出沉闷的响声，显示出多年训练积累的力量。(He threw a punch at the sandbag, producing a dull thud, showing the strength accumulated from years of training.)

Don't Say

• 拳他一下 — while 拳 can be a verb, this usage is colloquial; use 打他一拳 or 揍他一拳 for clarity

Origin & History

拳 = 手 + 卷 (hand + curl — a curled hand/fist)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal