Meaning
The kanji 拘 (こう, こだわる) fundamentally conveys ideas of constriction, adherence, detention, or being particular about something. It encapsulates actions of holding fast, restricting movement, or clinging to a specific detail or idea. The core meanings revolve around concepts of restraint, whether physical (like an arrest) or conceptual (like an obsession with a detail).
Its visual shape offers insight into its meaning. The kanji 拘 is a phono-semantic compound composed of two parts: the left radical 扌 (てへん), which is a variant of 手 (hand), and the right component 句 (く). The 扌 radical directly relates the kanji to actions performed by the hand, such as grasping, holding, or seizing. The right part, 句, serves primarily as a phonetic component, contributing the 'kou' sound. However, it also offers semantic hints. While 句 commonly means 'phrase' or 'line,' it historically carried meanings related to 'hook' or 'bending/restraining.'
Therefore, combining 'hand' (扌) with a component implying 'hooking' or 'restraining' (句) clearly suggests the action of 'holding fast,' 'confining,' or 'arresting' with one's hand. This etymology perfectly aligns with its meanings of constraint and detention.
The kanji 拘 has 8 strokes and is a Joyo kanji. It is typically encountered at an advanced level, often associated with JLPT N1 proficiency. This is due to its nuanced meanings and prevalence in formal or specialized contexts, particularly in legal and abstract discussions.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The primary On'yomi for 拘 is コウ (KOU). This reading is almost exclusively used in compound words, often with a formal or legalistic nuance, relating to restriction, detention, or adherence.
- 拘束 (kousoku) — This is a fundamental and frequently used compound. It means restriction, restraint, detention, or binding. It can refer to physical restraint or a limitation on freedom or actions.
- 拘留 (kouryuu) — Meaning custody or detention, this term is primarily used in legal contexts to describe the temporary arrest and holding of a suspect.
- 拘置 (kouchi) — Meaning detention or confinement, often refers to holding someone in a specific place (e.g., a detention house).
- 拘泥 (koudei) — Meaning adherence, sticking to, or being particular about, often with a negative connotation of being overly rigid or obsessed with minor details or conventions.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The most prominent Kun'yomi for 拘 is こだわる (kodawaru). This reading is used for the verb 拘る, which expresses the idea of being particular about something, fussing over details, being obsessed with, or adhering strongly to a certain principle or quality.
- 拘る (kodawaru) — As a verb, it means to be particular about, to fuss over, to be obsessive about, or to be fastidious. It often implies a strong personal commitment or attention to detail. For instance, 品質に拘る (hinshitsu ni kodawaru) means to be particular about quality.
- 拘り (kodawari) — This is the noun form, meaning a particularity, an obsession, a fixation, or a hang-up. It denotes something one cares deeply about or is very specific about. For example, 彼の料理への拘り (kare no ryouri e no kodawari) refers to his particularity or strong commitment to cooking.
While less common as direct readings of 拘 alone, the meanings of 'to be caught/captured' (とらわれる) or 'to be involved with' (かかわる) can sometimes be conceptually linked to 拘, though these verbs are more frequently written with other kanji like 囚 (とらわれる) or 関 (かかわる).
Common Words & Compounds
Here are common words and compounds featuring the kanji 拘, categorized by their thematic usage:
- Legal & Restrictive Terms:
- 拘束 (kousoku) — restriction, restraint, detention. Often used in legal contexts or to describe limitations.
- 身柄拘束 (migara kousoku) — physical restraint, arrest, apprehension of a person.
- 拘留 (kouryuu) — custody, detention. A legal term for holding someone in custody for a short period.
- 拘置所 (kouchisho) — a detention house or remand prison, where suspects are held before trial.
- 拘置 (kouchi) — detention, confinement. The act of detaining someone.
- Adherence & Particularity:
- 拘る (kodawaru) — to be particular about, to fuss over, to be obsessive about. Emphasizes personal conviction or attention to detail.
- 拘り (kodawari) — a particularity, obsession, hang-up, or strong commitment. The noun form of 拘る.
- 拘泥 (koudei) — adherence, sticking to (often minor details or outdated conventions), generally implying a negative inflexibility.
- 細部に拘る (saibu ni kodawaru) — to be particular about details; to fuss over small points.
- 形式に拘る (keishiki ni kodawaru) — to be particular about formalities; to stick to proper form.
- Medical & Other Fields:
- 拘縮 (koushuku) — contracture (a medical term for the shortening and hardening of muscles, tendons, or other tissue, often leading to deformity and rigidity of joints).
- 無拘束 (mukousoku) — unrestricted, unconstrained, without restraint.
Example Sentences
会社は社員の行動を厳しく拘束しない方針だ。
Kaisha wa shain no koudou o kibishiku kousoku shinai houshin da.
The company's policy is not to strictly restrict employees' actions.
彼は健康に異常に拘わる人だ。
Kare wa kenkou ni ijou ni kodawaru hito da.
He is a person who is unusually particular about his health.
警察は容疑者を拘留した。
Keisatsu wa yougisha o kouryuu shita.
The police detained the suspect.
形式に拘らず、自由な発想を大切にしたい。
Keishiki ni kodawarazu, jiyuu na hassou o taisetsu ni shitai.
I want to value free ideas without being bound by formalities.
その事件で複数の人物が身柄拘束された。
Sono jiken de fukusuu no jinbutsu ga migara kousoku sareta.
Several individuals were apprehended in connection with that incident.
彼には物事の本質よりも枝葉末節に拘わる傾向がある。
Kare ni wa monogoto no honshitsu yori mo shiyounassetsu ni kodawaru keikou ga aru.
He has a tendency to fuss over minor details rather than the essence of things.
逮捕後、彼は拘置所に送致された。
Taiho-go, kare wa kouchisho ni souchi sareta.
After his arrest, he was sent to a detention house.
古い慣習に拘泥せず、新しい挑戦をすべきだ。
Furui kanshuu ni koudei sezu, atarashii chousen o subeki da.
One should not be bound by old customs, but rather take on new challenges.
契約は双方の義務を拘束する力を持つ。
Keiyaku wa souhou no gimu o kousoku suru chikara o motsu.
A contract has the power to bind the obligations of both parties.
品質に対する日本の強い拘りは、世界中で評価されている。
Hinshitsu ni tai suru Nihon no tsuyoi kodawari wa, sekaijuu de hyouka sarete iru.
Japan's strong commitment to quality is appreciated worldwide.
Memory Tip
To remember 拘, think of its components: the left radical 扌 (hand) and the right part 句 (hook or phrase). Imagine a hand (扌) reaching out to hook (句) onto something, thus constraining it, arresting it, or adhering to it strongly. Alternatively, picture a person’s hand making a specific gesture because they are particular about something (こだわる), like a strict conductor's hand motion. The "hook" part could also symbolize a strict rule or "phrase" that a hand enforces or clings to.