揖 (yī) - To bow with hands clasped — a traditional

揖Tone 1

yī ｜ 12 strokes ｜ radical:

一懿

揖 · yī

To bow with hands clasped — a traditional Chinese gesture of greeting, respect, or farewell, performed by cupping one's own hands together and raising them while bowing slightly.

To bow with hands clasped — a traditional

Usage highlights

To bow with clasped handsTo bow in greetingTo bow in farewellTo bow and yieldTo bow and inviteCeremonial bowing

Synonyms

  • 拜— to bow, to worship (a more profound gesture, often involving kneeling)
  • 拱— to cup one hands together in front (the hand position for 揖)

Antonyms

  • 侮— to insult, to disrespect
  • 傲— arrogant, haughty

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He greeted the elder with a respectful bow (作揖).
  • In ancient times, people often greeted each other by bowing with clasped hands (拱手作揖).
  • The scholar bowed in farewell (揖别) to his friends.
  • The ceremony began with three ceremonial bows (三揖三让).

Collocations

  • To bow with clasped hands(作揖)
  • To bow in greeting(揖客)
  • To bow in farewell(揖别)
  • To bow and yield(揖让)
  • To bow and invite(揖请)
  • Ceremonial bowing(礼揖)

Idioms

  • Open the door and bow to the robbers(开门揖盗)
  • Bowing and yielding to the virtuous(揖让贤能)
  • Bowing with clasped hands and yielding the way(揖逊相让)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • 揖礼 (yī lǐ) was a fundamental gesture of respect in traditional Chinese etiquette, used in greetings, farewells, and ceremonies.
  • The depth of the bow and position of the hands conveyed different levels of respect, with 长揖 (cháng yī) being a deeper, more formal bow.
  • It symbolizes humility, respect, and social harmony, reflecting Confucian values of propriety (礼).

FAQ