摘

pick, pluck

摘 is composed of the radical 手 (hand) and 啇 (essence). 手 represents physical action, while 啇 conveys the authority of a monarch's words, extending to imply appropriateness or proper selection. When gathering or picking items by hand, one naturally chooses what is most suitable or ripe; thus, 摘 was formed to denote picking, plucking, or selecting.

Vocabulary of 摘

  • 摘要 (summary)
  • 摘錄 (extract)
  • 採摘 (pluck)

Related Characters: