秉 (bǐng) — to hold, to grasp (literary); to control, to preside over; to receive (a quality)

Definition

A literary verb: almost always used in set phrases like 秉烛 (hold a candle) and 秉承 (inherit/follow). It is not used as a standalone everyday word.

verb
to holdto grasp (literary)to controlto preside overto receive (a quality)
Easily confused

Examples

  • 秉，。
    Tā bǐng zhú yè dú, fēi cháng yòng gōng.
    He studied by candlelight at night, very diligently.
  • 秉，。
    Tā bǐng zhèng duō nián, shēn dé mín xīn.
    He held power for many years and won the people's support.
  • 。
    Wǒ men bǐng chéng le zǔ xiān de yōu liáng chuán tǒng.
    We have inherited the fine traditions of our ancestors.

Origin

Compound ideograph
六书liùshū
会意huìyì

Two or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.

秉 combines 禾 (plant) and 又 (hand), showing a hand holding a plant by the stalk.

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