What is the most common usage of 抔?

It is most famously used in the classical phrase 'a handful of yellow earth' (一抔黄土), which poetically refers to a grave.

Is 抔 common in modern Chinese?

No, it is a classical character and is rarely used in modern daily language outside of fixed literary expressions.

How is 抔 different from 捧?

Both mean to hold with hands, but 抔 specifically implies a cupping or scooping motion, often with both hands together to form a container, and can be used as a measure. 捧 is more general for holding respectfully in both hands.

抔Tone 2

póu ｜ 7 strokes ｜ radical: 扌

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抔 · póu

To hold or scoop up with both hands;

a measure meaning a double handful;

to cup.

To hold or scoop up with both handsa measure meaning a double handfulto cup.

Usage highlights

A handful of soilYellow earthTo drink by scoopingTo hold with both handsA double handfulTo scoop up earth

Synonyms

捧— to hold or carry in both hands
掬— to cup hands; to hold with both hands

Antonyms

撒— to scatter; to let fall
弃— to discard; to abandon

Usage & contexts

Examples

He scooped up water with both hands (抔饮).
A handful of soil (一抔土).
The phrase 'a handful of yellow earth' (一抔黄土) refers to a grave.
Ancient people drank by scooping water with their hands (抔而饮之).

Collocations

A handful of soil(一抔土)
Yellow earth (a grave)(一抔黄土)
To drink by scooping(抔饮)
To hold with both hands(抔捧)
A double handful(抔量)
To scoop up earth(抔土)

Idioms

A handful of yellow earth(一抔黄土)
To drink by scooping with hands(抔饮)

Cultural background

FAQ

Historically used as a measure for a double handful, reflecting ancient measurement practices.
The phrase 'a handful of yellow earth' (一抔黄土) is a classical reference to a grave or burial mound, symbolizing mortality.
Appears in classical texts describing simple, ancient ways of living, such as drinking water directly from a stream with cupped hands.

抔 (póu) - To hold or scoop up with both hands & a measure meaning a double handful