歛 (hān) - To gather & to collect

歛Tone 1

hān ｜ 17 strokes ｜ radical:

枫惠

歛 · hān

To gather;

to collect;

to restrain;

to hold back;

also used in classical texts for 'to close' or 'to fold'.

To gatherto collectto restrain

Usage highlights

Collect taxesRestrain emotionsFold handsClose wingsGather wealthHold back anger

Synonyms

  • 收— to collect; to gather
  • 集— to gather; to assemble
  • 敛— simplified form with same meaning

Antonyms

  • 散— to scatter; to disperse
  • 放— to release; to let go

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The government collected taxes (歛税).
  • She restrained her emotions (歛情).
  • He folded his hands in respect (歛手).
  • The bird closed its wings (歛翼).

Collocations

  • Collect taxes(歛税)
  • Restrain emotions(歛情)
  • Fold hands(歛手)
  • Close wings(歛翼)
  • Gather wealth(歛财)
  • Hold back anger(歛怒)

Idioms

  • To restrain one's arrogance and hide one's capabilities(歛鋒藏穎)
  • To restrain one's aura and hide one's traces(歛影逃形)
  • To restrain one's sharpness and store one's intelligence(歛鍔韜光)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Often appears in classical Chinese texts with meanings related to restraint and collection.
  • In historical contexts, frequently used in administrative terms for tax collection.
  • Has connotations of self-control and moderation in personal conduct.

FAQ