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JLPT N18画 · 8 strokesradical 手freq #1336

arrest, seize, concerned, adhere to

Also: despite

On'yomi (音読み)

  • コウ

Kun'yomi (訓読み)

  • かか.わる

Mnemonic

A hand (手) reaches out to arrest and seize someone, firmly adhering to their presence as they are held fast.

About this kanji

The kanji 「拘」 primarily means to arrest or seize, and it often relates to being concerned about something or adhering to certain principles. It is typically used as a noun, but it can also serve in verb forms. For example, in the compound 拘束 (こうそく), which means restriction, the kanji emphasizes the idea of holding something back. Another common usage is 拘る (こだわる), meaning to be obsessive or particular about something. Additionally, 拘禁 (こうきん) refers to detention, indicating the state of being held or confined. A useful note is that while this kanji often conveys a sense of being bound or restricted, it can also have nuances of careful consideration in specific contexts.

Example sentences

  • 彼は自由を拘束された。

    He was bound by restrictions on his freedom.

Meanings across languages

English
arrest, seize, concerned, adhere to, despite
Tiếng Việt
bắt giữ
日本語
拘束
한국어
구속
中文
拘束
id
penangkapan, menyita, terkait
th
การจับกุม, ยึด, เกี่ยวข้อง
es
arresto, tomar
fr
arrestation, saisir
de
Festnahme, beschlagnahmen
pt
prisão, apreender, envolvendo

Common compounds

  • 拘束こうそくrestriction, restraint, binding
  • 拘るこだわるto be obsessive (about), to be overly concerned (with), to fuss (over)
  • 拘禁こうきんdetention, custody, confinement
  • 拘置こうちdetention, confinement, arrest
  • 拘置所こうちしょprison, detention house, detention center
  • 拘留こうりゅうcustody, detention, confinement
  • 拘束時間こうそくじかんtotal hours spent working
  • 拘りこだわりobsession, fixation, hangup

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