Definition
拱 (gǒng) means to arch a body part (back, hands) or for an animal to root with its snout. It also has the specific cultural gesture of cupping one's hands in salute. Compare with 弓 (gōng) as a verb, which means to bend something into a curved shape like a bow, but does not carry the salute or rooting meanings.
verb
to arch (the back, a bridge, etc.)to cup one's hands (in salute)to root (with the snout)to dig earth
Easily confused
- 哄hǒnglook-aliketo coax, to soothe
- 宫gōngsound-alikepalace
- 供gōnglook-aliketo provide, to supply
- 公gōngsound-alikepublic; common; collectively owned
- 烘hōnglook-aliketo bake (using indirect heat)
- 攻gōngsound-aliketo attack (physically)
- 粪fènlook-alikemanure, dung
- 功gōngsound-alikeachievement; meritorious deed; contribution
- 巷xiànglook-alikelane, alley
- 弓gōngsound-alike(noun) bow (weapon)
Examples
- 拱。Lǎorén zài huǒlú biān bian gǒng zhe bèi qǔ nuǎn.The old man arched his back by the stove to warm himself.
- 。Tā xiàng lǎoshī gǒng shǒu xínglǐ.He cupped his hands in a salute to the teacher.
- 拱。Nà zhī gǒu yòng bízi gǒng kāi le dàmén.That dog pushed the door open with its nose.
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