Chinese Character: 拘
1. Character Basics
Radical: 扌/shǒu (表示手的动作)
Stroke Count: 8
Stroke Order:
2. Pronunciation
Pinyin: jū (first tone)
3. Meaning
arrest, detain, hold, restrict, limit, constrain
4. Common Words
- 拘留 (jū liú) - detention, to detain
- 拘束 (jū shù) - constrained, ill at ease
- 拘泥 (jū nì) - rigidly adhere to, be constrained by
- 拘捕 (jū bǔ) - arrest
- 拘谨 (jū jǐn) - cautious, reserved
- 不拘一格 (bù jū yī gé) - not limited to one pattern
5. Grammar & Usage
As a verb: 拘留犯人 (jū liú fàn rén) - detain a criminal
In adjective compounds: 他很拘束 (tā hěn jū shù) - He is very constrained
In idiomatic expressions: 不拘小节 (bù jū xiǎo jié) - not stickling for trifles
Common structure: 被...拘留 (bèi...jū liú) - be detained by...
Collocations: 拘束不安 (jū shù bù ān) - nervous and ill at ease
6. Cultural Background
In Chinese legal system, 拘留 is an important legal measure
The character reflects the concept of restriction in traditional Chinese thought
Idioms with 拘 often express attitudes towards rules and flexibility
In interpersonal relationships, avoiding being 拘束 is valued in Chinese culture
Traditional Chinese philosophy emphasizes finding a balance between rules and flexibility
7. Example Sentence
Chinese: 他因为偷东西被拘留了。
Pinyin: Tā yīnwèi tōu dōngxi bèi jūliú le.
Translation: He was detained for stealing.
8. Memory Tips
The character 拘 consists of 扌 (shǒu - hand) and 句 (jù - sentence)
Think of using hands (扌) to enforce a sentence (句) or restriction
The character has 8 strokes
Remember the common word 拘留 (jū liú) which means "detention"
The radical 扌 indicates an action involving hands