unknown, 7 strokes, radical 扌, rank #39931, Very Hard
扼
è
to clutch at
unknown, 7 strokes, radical 扌, rank #39931, Very Hard
扼
è
to guard
unknown, 7 strokes, radical 扌, rank #39931, Very Hard
扼
è
to control
unknown, 7 strokes, radical 扌, rank #39931, Very Hard
扼
è
to hold
unknown, 7 strokes, radical 扌, rank #39931, Very Hard
è(e4) T4
1to clutch, to grasp; to choke, to strangle
2to grip forcefully
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March 24, 2026
扼è(e4)
The character 扼 (è) represents the concept of grasping or clutching something firmly. It can refer to both physical actions, such as choking or gripping, and metaphorical uses, like controlling a situation. This character often conveys a sense of forcefulness or intensity in the action described.
Strokes7Radical扌Frequency#39931DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, the concept of 'grasping' is linked to controlling energy or 'qi' in the body. The use of the term in this context reflects a broader understanding of balance and control in Chinese health practices.
Memory Tip
Imagine a fierce eagle (the radical 扌, which relates to hands) clutching its prey tightly. The sound 'è' can remind you of the struggle of the prey as it tries to escape the strong grip of the eagle. Visualize the powerful grip and intense scenario to link the character to its meaning.
Meanings of 扼
è(e4)
1to clutch, to grasp; to choke, to strangle
2to grip forcefully
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 扼
扼Simplified
7Strokes
扌Radical
动语素dòngcíverb root (v.root)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 扼
Podcast: 扼
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AI Study Notes for 扼
Quick Contrast
握 (wò) - choose 扼 (è) for a stronger sense of forcefulness or intensity in grasping, whereas 握 (wò) implies a gentler, more controlled hold.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a fierce eagle (the radical 扌, which relates to hands) clutching its prey tightly. The sound 'è' can remind you of the struggle of the prey as it tries to escape the strong grip of the eagle. Visualize the powerful grip and intense scenario to link the character to its meaning.
Usage Notes
Be mindful that 扼 is more formal and may not be commonly used in everyday conversation. It often appears in literary or descriptive contexts. Common collocations include 扼住 (to choke) and 扼制 (to control), so pay attention to how it pairs with other verbs.
HSK Study Tips
While not in the HSK vocabulary lists, 扼 can help learners understand more complex characters involving control or grip. Focus on the context it appears in to grasp its nuances, especially in phrases that indicate restriction or force.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, the concept of 'grasping' is linked to controlling energy or 'qi' in the body. The use of the term in this context reflects a broader understanding of balance and control in Chinese health practices.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 扼 with similar characters like 抓 (zhuā, to grab) due to their physical action meanings. Remember that 扼 implies a stronger, often negative action like choking or forceful control, while 抓 indicates a more general act of grabbing.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 扼
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Grammar Patterns of 扼
扼 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 6 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
抵押贷款利率最近的回升可能会____杀房地产的复苏。
The recent rebound in mortgage rates could snuff out the housing recovery.
Example Sentences for 扼 (4)
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1
抵押贷款利率最近的回升可能会扼杀房地产的复苏。
dǐ yā dài kuǎn lì shuài zuì jìn de huí shēng kě néng huì è shā fáng dì chǎn de fù sū。
The recent rebound in mortgage rates could snuff out the housing recovery.
2
你能扼要说明一下地区会议上提案的重点吗？
nǐ néng è yào shuō míng yī xià dì qū huì yì shàng tí àn de zhòng diǎn ma？
Can you recap the points included in the regional conference proposal?
3
路易斯·阿姆斯特朗把爵士乐简明扼要地定义为“我一门糊口的手艺”。
lù yì sī· · ā mǔ sī tè lǎng bǎ jué shì lè jiǎn míng è yào dì dìng yì“ wéi “ wǒ yī mén hū kǒu de”。
Louis Armstrong defined jazz pithily as "what I play for a living".
4
你这篇专题文章的可取之处是简明扼要地道出了取得的成就。
nǐ zhè piān zhuān tí wén zhāng de kě qǔ zhī chǔ shì jiǎn míng è yào dì dào chū le qǔ dé de chéng jiù。
Your feature has the merit of simply stating what has been achieved.
Cultural Notes for 扼
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese medicine, the concept of 'grasping' is linked to controlling energy or 'qi' in the body. The use of the term in this context reflects a broader understanding of balance and control in Chinese health practices.
