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March 24, 2026
掣chè(che4)
The character 掣 (chè) primarily means 'to pull' or 'to drag.' It can imply hindering or withdrawing from a situation, often suggesting a sense of resistance. This word is commonly used in contexts where something is being drawn back or restrained.
Strokes12Radical手Frequency#20680DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the act of pulling back or resisting can be symbolic of various social dynamics, such as negotiation or conflict resolution. The concept of withdrawal is often tied to traditional beliefs about balance and harmony.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person trying to pull a stubborn dog on a leash. The character 掣 looks like a hand (扌) grasping something (the radical for 'to pull') while the rest of the character suggests the action of pulling back. Picture the dog resisting and the struggle of the pull, which connects to the meaning of this character.
Meanings of 掣
chè(che4)
1to pull, to drag; to hinder, to pull back
2to draw
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 掣
掣Simplified
12Strokes
手Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 掣
Podcast: 掣
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AI Study Notes for 掣
Quick Contrast
拉 (lā, to pull) — use 掣 when emphasizing resistance or withdrawal, while 拉 focuses on the action of pulling without that nuance.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a person trying to pull a stubborn dog on a leash. The character 掣 looks like a hand (扌) grasping something (the radical for 'to pull') while the rest of the character suggests the action of pulling back. Picture the dog resisting and the struggle of the pull, which connects to the meaning of this character.
Usage Notes
Be cautious not to confuse 掣 with similar characters, as it has a specific meaning related to pulling or dragging. It is more commonly used in written or formal contexts, so using it in casual conversations might feel out of place. Collocations include phrases like 掣回 (pull back) and 掣住 (hinder).
HSK Study Tips
While 掣 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it can help to connect with other action verbs related to movement or manipulation, such as 拉 (lā, to pull) and 拖 (tuō, to drag). Focus on understanding its context to better grasp its nuances.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the act of pulling back or resisting can be symbolic of various social dynamics, such as negotiation or conflict resolution. The concept of withdrawal is often tied to traditional beliefs about balance and harmony.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 掣 with similar characters like 拉, using it incorrectly in phrases like 掣车 (which should be 拉车 for 'pull a cart'). Ensure you use the correct verb based on context.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 掣
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Cultural Notes for 掣
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the act of pulling back or resisting can be symbolic of various social dynamics, such as negotiation or conflict resolution. The concept of withdrawal is often tied to traditional beliefs about balance and harmony.
Word Family of 掣
Words Containing This Character5
掣chèto pull
风驰电掣fast as lightning風馳電掣
掣肘to impede
掣电to flash掣電
牵掣to impede牽掣
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 掣 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 掣
It is more commonly found in written Chinese or formal contexts, so using it casually may not be appropriate.
Phrases like 掣回 (pull back) and 掣住 (hinder) are useful to know.
It's not commonly found in idiomatic expressions, but its components can be part of phrases related to movement or resistance.
