Meanings of 引
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About 引
Podcast: 引
Podcast: 引
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AI Study Notes for 引
引 (yǐn) vs 拉 (lā) — use 引 when emphasizing drawing or guiding, while 拉 typically implies pulling with force.
Imagine a person drawing a bowstring tightly (引). The bow represents the idea of pulling or stretching, and the action of pulling is mirrored in the pronunciation 'yǐn.' Visualize the tension in the bowstring as a way to remember both the meaning and the sound.
Learners often confuse 引 with similar verbs like 拉 (lā, to pull) or 带 (dài, to bring). It is generally used in both formal and informal contexts, but pay attention to its collocations, such as 引导 (yǐndǎo, to guide) and 引起 (yǐnqǐ, to cause). Be mindful of the third tone 'yǐn' to avoid mispronunciations.
While 引 is not explicitly listed in HSK levels, it connects with many verbs used in daily conversation. Students should focus on its various meanings and practice using it in different sentence structures to enhance their fluency.
In Chinese culture, the act of引导 (guiding) is significant, especially in education and mentorship. The concept of drawing someone in can also relate to hospitality and social relationships, where inviting and guiding guests is a valued practice.
Learners often misuse 引 when they should use 拉 (lā). For example, saying '引门' (yǐn mén, to pull the door) instead of '拉门' (lā mén) is incorrect. Make sure to choose the right verb based on context.
Pronunciation of 引
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Etymology of 引
Pictograph of a bowstring being pulled back.
To pull back a bow's 弓 drawstring 丨
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 引?
Decomposition of 引
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 引?
Write 引
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Practice writing 引 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 引
引 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 14 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The patterns below break down its most common sentence frames, with example sentences and practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) for each one.
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这是我引的弓。
This is the bow that I drew.
Complete the Sentence
我们应该不断地____导他，好让他对自己有信心。
We should constantly guide him so that he has confidence in himself.
Common Confusions with 引
Similar in appearance but different meaning.
Spot the Difference
Which character means "to draw (e.g. a bow)"?
Usage Notes for 引
Learners often confuse 引 with similar verbs like 拉 (pull) or 拖 (drag). Use 引 specifically when you mean to draw or attract.
我想引你来参加活动。
I want to attract you to participate in the event.
Fill in the Blank
我想____你来参加活动。
I want to attract you to participate in the event.
Example Sentences for 引 (10)
Cultural Notes for 引
The character 引 is often associated with pulling or drawing. In Chinese archery, drawing the bowstring is crucial for precision and accuracy, reflecting the importance of focus and control in Chinese culture.
In Chinese culture, the act of引导 (guiding) is significant, especially in education and mentorship. The concept of drawing someone in can also relate to hospitality and social relationships, where inviting and guiding guests is a valued practice.
In many cultures, the concept of 'drawing' or 'pulling' extends beyond physical actions to include emotional and social aspects, such as attracting friends or leading a group. This highlights the universal nature of communication and connection.
Word Family of 引
Compound Meaning
What does 蚓 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 引
Common phrases that include 引 are 引导 (yǐndǎo), meaning 'to guide,' and 引起 (yǐnqǐ), meaning 'to cause or provoke.' These phrases showcase the versatility of the character in different contexts.