Meanings of 掴
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About 掴
Podcast: 掴
Podcast: 掴
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AI Study Notes for 掴
打 (dǎ, to hit) - use 掴 when emphasizing a slapping motion specifically, rather than a general hitting action.
Learners often mistake 掴 for other similar verbs that imply hitting, such as 打 (dǎ). Remember that 掴 specifically refers to a slap or a box on the ears rather than a general hit. It's more common in informal settings and should be used cautiously in formal contexts.
While 掴 is not at a specific HSK level, it connects to more general vocabulary related to actions and emotions that learners at HSK 2 or 3 might encounter. Focus on practicing its pronunciation and understanding its use in colloquial speech.
Learners often confuse 掴 with 打 (dǎ) and use them interchangeably, using 掴 when they mean to say 'hit' in a general sense. For example, saying '我会掴他' (I will hit him) should be corrected to '我会打他.'
Pronunciation of 掴
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Etymology of 掴
Phonosemantic compound. 扌 represents the meaning and 国 represents the sound. Simplified form of 摑.
hand
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 掴
Phonosemantic compound. 扌 represents the meaning and 国 represents the sound. Simplified form of 摑.
- 1The meaning half扌 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half国 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 掴? 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
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Decomposition of 掴
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How to say to slap, to box one's ears in Chinese
“to slap, to box one's ears” in Chinese is掴
The character 掴 (guāi) means 'to slap' or 'to box someone's ears.' It is often used in the context of physical actions that involve striking someone with an open hand. This term is typically associated with a strong, sudden action and is used in informal contexts, often implying a reprimand or punishment.
When to use 掴
Learners often mistake 掴 for other similar verbs that imply hitting, such as 打 (dǎ). Remember that 掴 specifically refers to a slap or a box on the ears rather than a general hit. It's more common in informal settings and should be used cautiously in formal contexts.
掴 or something close to it
打 (dǎ, to hit) - use 掴 when emphasizing a slapping motion specifically, rather than a general hitting action.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 掴 with 打 (dǎ) and use them interchangeably, using 掴 when they mean to say 'hit' in a general sense. For example, saying '我会掴他' (I will hit him) should be corrected to '我会打他.'
Write 掴
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Practice writing 掴 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Word Family of 掴
Compound Meaning
What does 掴 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 掴
No, 掴 is primarily used in informal contexts, so it's best avoided in formal writing.
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