The kanji 弓 primarily represents a "bow," a weapon used for shooting arrows. ⚫︎It can also figuratively represent something curved or arched. ⚫︎The shape of the kanji itself reflects the curved form of a bow.

・On-yomi (音読み): キュウ (kyuu) ・Kun-yomi (訓読み): ゆみ (yumi)

⚫︎弓道 (きゅうどう) Translation: Kyudo (Japanese archery) ⚫︎弓矢 (ゆみや) Translation: Bow and arrow ⚫︎弓なり (ゆみなり) Translation: Bow-shaped; curved

⚫︎The kanji 弓 is a pictograph. ⚫︎It directly depicts the shape of a bow, with the curved line representing the bow's frame and the straight line sometimes representing the string. ⚫︎The development of the character reflects the importance of the bow in ancient cultures for hunting and warfare.