Today we'll learn about the Chinese character 举, pronounced jǔ with the third tone. This character means to lift or to raise. Let's see how it's written stroke by stroke.
The character 举 has both physical and abstract meanings. For physical actions, we have 举手 meaning to raise your hand, and 举起 meaning to lift up objects. For abstract meanings, 举办 means to organize or hold events, and 举例 means to give examples. Notice how the basic concept of lifting extends to organizing events and presenting examples.
Let's explore common usage patterns with 举. First, 举例 means to give examples, literally lifting examples. 举重 is weightlifting, literally lifting weight. 举动 refers to behavior or actions, literally lifting movement. Finally, 举世闻名 means world-famous, literally lifting the world to hear the name. Notice how the concept of lifting extends metaphorically in each case.
Now let's examine grammar patterns with 举. As a main verb, 举 follows the subject-verb-object pattern, like 他举起了手, meaning he raised his hand. In compound verbs like 举办, it combines with other characters to form new meanings, as in 我们举办会议, we hold a meeting. In idiomatic expressions like 举一反三, the meaning becomes metaphorical. Remember that 举 is pronounced with the third tone, which has a falling-rising pattern.
Let's see practical examples of 举 in different contexts. In classroom situations, teachers ask 谁能举手回答, who can raise their hand to answer, and students 举手发言, raise hands to speak. In sports, we say 他参加举重比赛, he participates in weightlifting competition. In business contexts, 公司举办年会 means the company holds an annual meeting. Practice the pronunciation: 举手 with third tone then first tone, 举办 with third tone then fourth tone, and 举重 with third tone then fourth tone.