攀 pān to climb
to climb; to hang on; to pull up
How to remember 攀: 樊 woven fence + 手 hand = to climb. The girl grips the woven fence with each hand and pulls herself up, eager to climb into the neighbour's apple garden.
Component breakdown
攀 = 樊 woven fence + 手 hand
- 樊 woven fence
- 手 hand
The girl grips the woven fence with each hand and pulls herself up, eager to climb into the neighbour's apple garden.
How it is used
- To climb (by grabbing holds), and to reach upward socially: 攀登 (pāndēng) to scale (a peak), 攀岩 (pānyán) rock climbing, 攀升 (pānshēng) to climb/rise (of figures).
- 攀比 (pānbǐ) = to compete by comparison / keep up with the Joneses; 攀附 (pānfù) = to curry favor with the powerful.
- 攀谈 (pāntán) = to strike up a conversation; 高攀 (gāopān) = to seek ties above one's station.