() - To count or calculate using straws or slips & to insert between the fingers

Tone 4

lè | 5 strokes | radical: 扌

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To count or calculate using straws or slips (ancient divination method);

to insert between the fingers;

to restrain.

To count or calculate using straws or slipsto insert between the fingersto restrain.

Usage highlights

Divination by countingCounting strawsHolding between fingersBamboo slip calculationRestraining force

Synonyms

Antonyms

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The shaman performed divination by counting straws (扐蓍).
  • He held the coin between his fingers (扐于指间).
  • Ancient methods involved calculating with bamboo slips (以竹扐算).

Collocations

  • Divination by counting(扐算)
  • Counting straws(扐蓍)
  • Holding between fingers(扐指)
  • Bamboo slip calculation(竹扐)
  • Restraining force(扐力)

Idioms

  • To calculate by the yarrow stalks(扐蓍布卦)
  • The method of counting and restraining(扐算之法)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originally referred to an ancient divination method using straws or slips for counting and calculation.
  • Used in traditional Chinese numerology and fortune-telling practices.
  • Appears in classical texts describing ritual procedures.

FAQ