合十
héshí
The English phrase 'namaste' can be translated into Chinese as 合十 (héshí).
In Chinese, 合十 is a noun used to describe the physical gesture of palms pressed together, which is the equivalent of the Indian 'namaste' gesture.
Meaning: a greeting (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term is composed of the verbs 合 (to join/close) and 十 (ten), literally referring to the joining of the ten fingers in a prayer position.
How do you pronounce it?
héshí
When do people say it?
This term is primarily used in Buddhist contexts in China to describe the respectful greeting or prayer gesture.
Did you know?
- Although 合十 describes the gesture, if you want to actually perform the greeting in a Buddhist temple, you would more commonly say 阿弥陀佛 (ā mí tuó fó), which translates to 'Amitābha Buddha'.
- The character 合 (to join) also appears in the Chinese word for 'harmony', 和谐. This links the physical act of pressing palms together to the philosophical ideal of social and spiritual balance.
- In certain Chinese martial arts traditions, a similar hand gesture is used as a sign of mutual respect, though it may be called by different names depending on the style.
Examples in context
- 他在做合十礼。Tā zài zuò héshì lǐ.He is performing the namaste greeting.
- 请用合十礼向老师问好。Qǐng yòng héshì lǐ xiàng lǎoshī wènhǎo.Please greet the teacher with a namaste.
- 这个合十礼非常庄重。Zhège héshì lǐ fēicháng zhuāngzhòng.This namaste greeting is very solemn.
Example conversation
Jiayi and Wei are visiting a temple.
- 佳怡 Jiayi这里的人都用合十来打招呼。Zhèlǐ de rén dōu yòng héshí lái dǎzhāohū.People here all use namaste to greet each other.
- 伟 Wei那我也试一下。Nà wǒ yě shì yīxià.Then I will try it too.
- 佳怡 Jiayi对，就这样合十。Duì, jiù zhèyàng héshí.Yes, just do namaste like that.
- 伟 Wei我觉得这样很安静。Wǒ juéde zhèyàng hěn ānjìng.I think it feels very peaceful.
