秉 (bǐng) - To grasp & to hold

秉Tone 3

bǐng ｜ 8 strokes ｜ radical: 禾

傲不

秉 · bǐng

To grasp;

to hold;

to maintain;

to preside over;

a handful (of grain);

a unit of measure in ancient times.

To graspto holdto maintain

Usage highlights

Uphold justiceHold powerInherit traditionHandle affairsMaintain integrityHold candle

Synonyms

  • 持— to hold, to grasp
  • 执— to hold, to execute
  • 握— to hold, to grasp

Antonyms

  • 放— to release, to let go
  • 弃— to abandon, to discard

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He upholds justice (秉公).
  • She holds power (秉政).
  • This is a sheaf of grain (一秉禾).
  • He inherits the family tradition (秉承家风).

Collocations

  • Uphold justice(秉公)
  • Hold power(秉政)
  • Inherit tradition(秉承)
  • Handle affairs(秉事)
  • Maintain integrity(秉直)
  • Hold candle(秉烛)

Idioms

  • Hold a candle for night reading(秉烛夜读)
  • Act with impartiality(秉公执法)
  • Inherit the will(秉承遗志)
  • Uphold justice and eliminate personal feelings(秉公灭私)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originally depicted a hand holding a stalk of grain, symbolizing control and measurement.
  • In ancient China, it was a unit of dry measure for grain, approximately 16 hu (斛).
  • Often used in formal contexts to denote holding authority or maintaining principles.

FAQ