抱

A phono-semantic compound:

手 (扌) — “hand,” semantic component, indicating an action performed with the hands.

包 — phonetic component, providing the sound (pao / 포). Also carries the nuance of “wrapping / enclosing,” reinforcing the sense of encircling with the arms.

Thus the character expresses the idea of hands enclosing or holding something.

포옹 (抱擁) — hugging, embrace

포함 (包含) — to include, encompass

포태 (抱胎) — pregnancy (classical term)

포망 (抱望) — to cherish hope

포학 (抱恨) — to harbor resentment

In classical usage, 抱 can also mean:

- to adhere to / to hold firmly (a principle)

- to cherish (an idea or ambition)

Classical citations:

《詩經·邶風》 (The Book of Songs)

「彼其之子，抱布貿絲。」

“That young man carries cloth to trade for silk.”

(Here 抱 = to carry in the arms.)

《史記·淮陰侯列傳》 (Records of the Grand Historian)

「項王按劍而怒，抱其頸而泣。」

“Xiang Yu pressed upon his sword in anger, while embracing his neck and weeping.”

《莊子·外物》 (Zhuangzi)

「臣聞之，君子不以利害抱其身。」

“I have heard that a true gentleman does not let benefit or harm seize his person.”

抱 = to cling to / be bound by.