裣 (liǎn) - To draw back the lapels of a garment,

裣Tone 3

liǎn ｜ 12 strokes ｜ radical:

俊梁

裣 · liǎn

To draw back the lapels of a garment, especially in the context of traditional Chinese etiquette gestures like bowing or saluting.

To draw back the lapels of a garment,

Usage highlights

draw back lapels in salutedraw back lapels and bowdraw back sleeves in respectdraw back lapels ritualdraw back lapels gesture

Synonyms

  • 敛— to draw back, to restrain (shares similar meaning of drawing back)
  • 衽— lapel, collar (often paired with 裣)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • She performed a traditional bow with hands drawing back lapels (裣衽).
  • In ancient etiquette, women would draw back sleeves when bowing (裣衽而拜).
  • The gesture of drawing back lapels shows respect (裣衽示敬).

Collocations

  • draw back lapels in salute(裣衽)
  • draw back lapels and bow(裣衽而拜)
  • draw back sleeves in respect(裣衽示敬)
  • draw back lapels ritual(裣衽之礼)
  • draw back lapels gesture(裣衽动作)

Idioms

  • Draw back lapels in formal greeting(裣衽而礼)
  • Draw back sleeves to show respect(裣衽致敬)
  • Draw back lapels in ancient etiquette(裣衽古礼)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Primarily used in the compound 裣衽 (liǎnrèn), referring to a traditional gesture of drawing back the lapels or sleeves when bowing or saluting.
  • Historically associated with formal etiquette and respectful gestures in traditional Chinese society, particularly for women.
  • The character reflects the importance of ritual propriety and formal conduct in traditional Chinese culture.

FAQ