How to Write 拘 (jū) — Meaning “To arrest / to restrain / to limit”

Imagine your hand (扌) catching someone's words (句) to stop them from moving or speaking freely. This visual helps link 拘 to its meanings of arrest and restraint. The "句" looks like a small box or cage for the hand to hold.

Write 扌 first (three strokes: horizontal, vertical hook, lift), then write 句 starting with the 勹 (wrapping stroke) and then the 口 inside. A common mistake is making the 扌 too big—the left side should be narrower than the right. Keep the 句 balanced so the 口 fits neatly under the 勹.

拘 (jū) means to arrest or restrain, with the component 句, while 托 (tuō) means to hold or support in the palm, using 乇. 㧜 is a very rare character and not commonly used. Visually, 托 has a curved top on the right side whereas 拘 has a shelter-like 勹 over 口.

拘 appears in legal terms like 拘留 (detention) and in everyday words like 拘束 (feeling restrained or stiff). It is also used in 拘谨 to describe someone who is overly cautious or formal in social settings. Understanding 拘 helps learners grasp the concept of physical and social constraints in Chinese culture.

Common words containing 拘 include: 拘束 (jū shù) — Restrained / stiff / constrained; 拘留 (jū liú) — To detain / detention; 拘谨 (jū jǐn) — Cautious / reserved / formal.