Chinese Character: 弓
1. Character Basics
Radical: 弓 (gōng, bow, indicates related to bow, bending, or curved objects)
Stroke Count: 3
Stroke Order:
2. Pronunciation
Pinyin: Gōng (First tone)
3. Meaning
Core Meaning: Bow (weapon for shooting arrows); to bend; curve; arch
Detailed Explanation: This character originally depicted a bow used for archery, symbolizing bending, curving, or the weapon itself. It can refer to the physical object or actions related to bending or curving.
4. Common Words
- 弓箭 (gōng jiàn): Bow and arrow
Example: 古代士兵使用弓箭作战。(Gǔ dài shì bīng shǐ yòng gōng jiàn zuò zhàn.) - Ancient soldiers fought with bows and arrows.
- 弓箭手 (gōng jiàn shǒu): Archer
Example: 他是一名出色的弓箭手。(Tā shì yī míng chū sè de gōng jiàn shǒu.) - He is an excellent archer.
- 弓背 (gōng bèi): Bow back; curved back
Example: 长时间坐着会导致弓背。(Cháng shí jiān zuò zhe huì dǎo zhì gōng bèi.) - Sitting for a long time can cause a curved back.
- 拉弓 (lā gōng): To draw a bow
Example: 拉弓需要很大的力气。(Lā gōng xū yào hěn dà de lì qì.) - Drawing a bow requires great strength.
- 弯弓 (wān gōng): To bend a bow; curved bow
Example: 他弯弓搭箭瞄准目标。(Tā wān gōng dā jiàn miáo zhǔn mù biāo.) - He bent the bow, nocked an arrow, and aimed at the target.
5. Grammar & Usage
Part of Speech: Noun, verb
Usage Patterns:
- As a noun: 弓箭 (gōng jiàn, bow and arrow), 弓手 (gōng shǒu, archer), 弓弦 (gōng xián, bowstring)
- As a verb: 弓着腰 (gōng zhe yāo, to bend over), 弓背 (gōng bèi, to curve one's back)
- In compound words: 弓弩 (gōng nǔ, bow and crossbow), 弹弓 (dàn gōng, slingshot)
Common Collocations: 开弓 (kāi gōng, to draw a bow), 弓法 (gōng fǎ, archery technique), 弓马 (gōng mǎ, archery and horse riding), 弓步 (gōng bù, bow stance in martial arts)
6. Cultural Background
Cultural Significance: In Chinese culture, the bow (弓) has historically been an important weapon and symbol of strength, skill, and martial prowess. It was considered one of the essential skills for gentlemen in ancient China.
Historical Context: The character "弓" dates back to oracle bone inscriptions where it clearly resembled a bow. In ancient China, archery was not only a military skill but also a form of art and ritual practice.
Modern Usage: While no longer a primary weapon, the bow remains culturally significant, appearing in traditional festivals, martial arts, and idioms. Phrases like "弓开满月" (gōng kāi mǎn yuè, the bow drawn to its full extent) are still used to describe something done with great force or skill.
7. Example Sentence
Example 1:
他擅长拉弓射箭。(Tā shàn cháng lā gōng shè jiàn.)
He is good at drawing a bow and shooting arrows.
Example 2:
这个弓箭是古代的文物。(Zhè ge gōng jiàn shì gǔ dài de wén wù.)
This bow and arrow is an ancient artifact.
Example 3:
老人弓着腰走路。(Lǎo rén gōng zhe yāo zǒu lù.)
The old man walks with a bent back.
8. Memory Tips
1. Shape Association: The character "弓" looks like a bow, with its curved shape resembling the actual object it represents.
2. Stroke Mnemonic: The character has 3 strokes that form a continuous curve: a horizontal stroke at the top, followed by a curved vertical stroke, and ending with another horizontal stroke at the bottom.
3. Word Association: Associate "弓" with common words like 弓箭 (gōng jiàn, bow and arrow) and 弓箭手 (gōng jiàn shǒu, archer) to reinforce its meaning.
4. Cultural Context: Think of the historical importance of archery in Chinese culture, where the bow was a symbol of skill and strength.