拳

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 拳(こぶし) is a noun for a fist formed by closing the fingers into the palm.
• Basic usage: It describes gestures such as clenching or raising a hand, with accompanying expressions identifying the emotion.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Clenching and raising
  • 拳を握る means clenching a fist; 拳を突き上げる means thrusting it upward. The examples connect these gestures to different feelings: restrained anger and joy at victory.