束 shù bundle
measure word for bunches and bundles; to bind; to restrain
How it came to be
A tree with a cord drawn round the middle of it, pulling the branches in. What was loose has been gathered and tied, which is the whole of the character.
How it is used
- To bind/restrain - 约束 (yuēshù) restrain/discipline, 束缚 (shùfù) to fetter/tie down, 拘束 (jūshù) feel constrained/awkward.
- Very common in 结束 (jiéshù) = to end/finish (a meeting, class, event): 会议结束了 (huìyì jiéshù le) the meeting's over - note this is 'come to an end', not 'stop' (停).
- Also a measure word for bundles - 一束花 (yí shù huā) a bouquet of flowers.
- 束手无策 (shùshǒu-wúcè) = at a total loss, hands tied.
Characters built with 束
Words with 束
Example sentences
- 比赛还没结束。 Bǐsài hái méi jiéshù.The game is not over yet.