戈 (gē) - A dagger-axe, an ancient Chinese pole weapon & by extension, war, military affairs, or weaponry.

戈Tone 1

gē ｜ 4 strokes ｜ radical: 戈

枫惠

戈 · gē

A dagger-axe, an ancient Chinese pole weapon;

by extension, war, military affairs, or weaponry.

A dagger-axe, an ancient Chinese pole weaponby extension, war, military affairs, or weaponry.

Usage highlights

DaggerMilitary affairsTo fightReverse the spearRest on weaponsLance and shield

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • 玉帛— jade and silk (symbolizing peace)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The dagger-axe (戈) was a common weapon in ancient China.
  • He studies ancient military history (干戈 history).
  • The troops were ready for battle (枕戈待旦).

Collocations

  • Dagger-axe(戈)
  • Military affairs(干戈)
  • To fight(动戈)
  • Reverse the spear(倒戈)
  • Rest on weapons(枕戈)
  • Lance and shield(戈盾)

Idioms

  • Rest on one's weapons awaiting dawn(枕戈待旦)
  • Turn one's weapon around(反戈一击)
  • Luxuriant grass covers the old battlefield(化干戈为玉帛)
  • Turn hostility into friendship(化干戈为玉帛)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • The dagger-axe (戈) was a primary weapon in the Shang and Zhou dynasties, symbolizing military power.
  • In Chinese culture, '干戈' (shield and dagger-axe) became a metonym for war, while '玉帛' (jade and silk) represents peace.
  • The character itself is a pictograph of the weapon's distinctive shape with a horizontal blade.

FAQ