Meanings of 退却
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Podcast: 退却
Podcast: 退却
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AI study notes for 退却
撤退 (chètuì) - use 退却 when emphasizing a strategic withdrawal rather than just a retreat.
When using 退却, be mindful of the context; it's often more formal and can imply a tactical decision. Common collocations include 退却命令 (retreat order) and 退却战略 (retreat strategy). Avoid confusion with similar-sounding words like 退回 (return) which has a different meaning.
Although not part of a specific HSK level, the word is useful for learners looking to expand their vocabulary in military or strategic contexts. Focus on the characters' components and their meanings to better understand related words like 退 (to withdraw) and 退步 (to regress).
Learners often confuse 退却 with 退回, thinking they mean the same. For example, saying '我退却这本书' (I retreat this book) is incorrect; it should be '我退回这本书' (I return this book).
Pronunciation of 退却
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Component characters
How to say to retreat in Chinese
“to retreat” in Chinese is退却
退却 (tui4 que4) means to retreat or withdraw, often used in contexts of military strategy or personal situations where one pulls back from a confrontation or challenge. It can imply a strategic decision rather than a loss of courage, emphasizing the idea of reassessing a situation before proceeding.
When to use 退却
When using 退却, be mindful of the context; it's often more formal and can imply a tactical decision. Common collocations include 退却命令 (retreat order) and 退却战略 (retreat strategy). Avoid confusion with similar-sounding words like 退回 (return) which has a different meaning.
退却 or something close to it
撤退 (chètuì) - use 退却 when emphasizing a strategic withdrawal rather than just a retreat.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 退却 with 退回, thinking they mean the same. For example, saying '我退却这本书' (I retreat this book) is incorrect; it should be '我退回这本书' (I return this book).
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Frequently asked questions about 退却
While it is often used in military contexts, it can also apply to personal situations where someone decides to withdraw from a challenge.
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