bend

彎 is composed of 䜌 (connection) and 弓 (bow). Since 䜌 conveys the idea of silk threads linking together, and the two ends of a bow are connected by a string, the original meaning of 彎 refers to drawing or stringing a bow. When a bow is drawn, the straight bow limbs curve—giving rise to the character's extended meaning of bending, curved, or not straight.