The kanji 拝 primarily conveys the meaning of "to worship," "to pay respects," "to bow," or "to revere." It implies a gesture of respect, humility, or reverence, often directed towards a deity, a superior, or something held in high regard. The act of 拝 involves a physical action (bowing) and an internal feeling of respect or admiration. It is a fundamental kanji related to social etiquette and religious practices.

・On-yomi (音読み): ⚫︎ ハイ (hai) ・Kun-yomi (訓読み): ⚫︎ おが-む (oga-mu)

⚫︎ 参拝 (sanpai) Translation: Visiting a shrine or temple to worship. ⚫︎ 拝見 (haiken) Translation: To look at respectfully; to see (humble form). ⚫︎ 拝む (ogamu) Translation: To worship; to pay respects; to pray.

The kanji 拝 is a 形声文字 (keisei moji), a phono-semantic compound character. It is composed of two parts: the radical 手 (te), meaning "hand," and the phonetic element 㕞 (hai), which contributes to the sound. The combination of "hand" and the phonetic element signifies the act of using one's hands in a gesture of respect, such as bowing or clasping them together in prayer. Over time, the character has maintained its association with the act of reverence and paying respects.