拳

A phono-semantic compound:

手 (hand) — semantic component

龹 (권) — phonetic component, depicting something rolled or clenched, it conveys the idea of gathering, rolling, or curling inward, which visually and conceptually matches the action of making a fist.

The original image is a hand clenched tightly, forming a fist.

권투 (拳鬪) — boxing

권법 (拳法) — fist techniques; martial arts

권력 (拳力) — physical force; brute strength (literary)

공권력 (公權力) — public authority (metaphorical extension)

拳 occupies a central conceptual role in East Asian martial culture:

- it represents the human body as a weapon

- it symbolizes discipline, training, and controlled power

In martial philosophy, 拳 is often paired with:

心 (mind) — mental discipline

氣 / 气 (energy) — internal force

Thus, 拳 is not raw violence, but trained force guided by intent.

In classical texts, 拳 often appears in contexts involving:

- physical strength

- resistance or defiance

- combat or personal struggle

The act of clenching one’s fist symbolized resolve, anger, or determination, not merely violence.

Related characters:

掌 — palm of the hand

手 — hand

擊 / 击 — to strike

武 — martial; military

力 — strength