Meanings of 挲
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About 挲
Podcast: 挲
Podcast: 挲
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AI Study Notes for 挲
This character is typically used in informal contexts, often expressing affection. A common mistake is confusing it with similar-sounding characters that imply different actions. Pay attention to the tone; using the wrong tone can completely change the meaning. For instance, saying 'suo' instead of 'sā' can lead to misunderstandings.
Although 挲 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, its connection to the hand radical (扌) can help learners relate it to other hand-related verbs like 拿 (ná - to take) and 抓 (zhuā - to grab). Focus on recognizing the character's components and how they relate to actions involving touch.
Learners often confuse 挲 (sā) with 挪 (nuó), which means to move or shift something. For example, saying '我想挪这个' (I want to fondle this) is incorrect; the correct expression would be '我想挲这个' (I want to fondle this).
Pronunciation of 挲
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Etymology of 挲
hand
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 挲
- 1The meaning half手 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half沙 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawayhand
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 挲? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 挲?
Decomposition of 挲
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 挲?
How to say to feel or fondle with the fingers in Chinese
“to feel or fondle with the fingers” in Chinese is挲
The character 挲 (sā) primarily means to feel or fondle something gently with the fingers, often suggesting a sense of tenderness or affection. It is less commonly used as a variant of the character 挲 (suō), which conveys a slightly different nuance. You might encounter this term in contexts related to physical touch or affection between individuals or towards objects.
When to use 挲
This character is typically used in informal contexts, often expressing affection. A common mistake is confusing it with similar-sounding characters that imply different actions. Pay attention to the tone; using the wrong tone can completely change the meaning. For instance, saying 'suo' instead of 'sā' can lead to misunderstandings.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 挲 (sā) with 挪 (nuó), which means to move or shift something. For example, saying '我想挪这个' (I want to fondle this) is incorrect; the correct expression would be '我想挲这个' (I want to fondle this).
Write 挲
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Practice writing 挲 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 挲
挲 carries 2 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Complete the Sentence
残留在秃头上的稀发乱七八糟地挓____着.
What hair remained on his balding head stuck out untidily.
Example Sentences for 挲 (1)
Word Family of 挲
Compound Meaning
What does 摩挲 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 挲
The correct pronunciation is 'sā' with a high-level tone, similar to the sound of 'saw'.
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