gǒngshǒu

拱手

Word · Verb

make a bow with hands folded; yield submissively

Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma

Meanings

2 senses · 7 examples
1.

verb

to make a salute or bow with hands folded in front of the chest

formal

A traditional Chinese gesture of respect, greeting, or farewell, often accompanied by a slight bow. Now less common in daily life but still seen in formal, ceremonial, or historical contexts.

Zhǔ主
rén人
zǒu走
chū出
dà大
mén门
 ,
gǒng拱
shǒu手
xiāng相
yíng迎
 。

The host walked out of the main gate, bowing with folded hands to greet the guests.

Lín临
bié别
shí时
 ,
tā他
xiàng向
lǎo老
shī师
gǒng拱
shǒu手
dào道
bié别
 。

When parting, he said goodbye to his teacher with a bow and folded hands.

Show 2 more examples
Tā他
xiàng向
zhǎng长
bèi辈
gǒng拱
shǒu手
xíng行
lǐ礼
 。

He saluted the elders with folded hands.

Jiù旧
shí时
rén人
men们
zài在
shū书
xìn信
kāi开
tóu头
cháng常
xiě写
 “
gǒng拱
shǒu手
 ”
 。

In old times, people often wrote 'gongshou' at the beginning of letters.

2.

verb

to yield or give away (something) without a struggle; to surrender easily

Metaphorical, often used to describe someone voluntarily giving up a position, advantage, or possession due to weakness, incompetence, or generosity.

Tā他
jū居
rán然
bǎ把
guàn冠
jūn军
gǒng拱
shǒu手
ràng让
gěi给
le了
duì对
shǒu手
 。

He actually handed the championship over to his opponent without a fight.

Gōng公
sī司
bù不
néng能
bǎ把
shì市
chǎng场
gǒng拱
shǒu手
sòng送
gěi给
jìng竞
zhēng争
zhě者
 。

The company cannot simply surrender the market to its competitors.

Show 1 more example
Tā他
xīn心
gān甘
qíng情
yuàn愿
de地
jiāng将
cái财
chǎn产
gǒng拱
shǒu手
xiāng相
zèng赠
 。

He willingly and submissively gave away his property.