Meaning
Originally referred to a wooden collar or cangue used in imperial China as a form of punishment and public humiliation. The character combines 木 (wood) and 加 (to add/impose), literally meaning 'wooden restraint.' In modern usage, it often appears in metaphorical contexts referring to any form of restraint, burden, or oppressive constraint on freedom.
Usage
This is a literary and historical term rarely used in everyday conversation. When used today, it typically appears in formal writing or metaphorical expressions about psychological, social, or moral constraints. Most commonly seen in compounds like 枷锁 (shackles/fetters).
Examples
- 01封建思想是束缚人们的精神枷锁。.Feudal thinking is a spiritual shackle that constrains people.
- 02他终于挣脱了传统观念的枷锁。.He finally broke free from the shackles of traditional beliefs.
Measure words
- 副一副枷锁
Common collocations
- 枷锁shackles, fetters
- 精神枷锁mental/spiritual shackles
- 戴枷to wear a cangue
Antonyms
Origin
The character combines 木 (wood radical) with 加 (to add, impose), reflecting the historical practice of placing heavy wooden restraints around criminals' necks as punishment.