Meanings of 挈
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About 挈
Podcast: 挈
Podcast: 挈
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AI Study Notes for 挈
扶 (fú, to support) — use 挈 (qiè) when emphasizing assistance through lifting or taking along, whereas 扶 (fú) focuses more on providing support without the implication of movement.
Be careful not to confuse 挈 (qiè) with similar-sounding words that have different meanings. It is typically used in more formal contexts, so avoid using it in casual conversation unless the situation is appropriate. Common collocations include 挈手 (to assist) and 挈带 (to take along).
While 挈 is not in the official HSK list, it connects to other action verbs related to helping or moving, which are essential at the intermediate level. Focus on the character's components and practice using it in sentences to enhance understanding.
Learners often confuse 挈 with 带 (dài), which means 'to take along' but is more casual. For example, saying '我挈你去' instead of '我带你去' can sound overly formal in casual contexts. Always consider the tone of the conversation.
Pronunciation of 挈
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Etymology of 挈
hand
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 挈
- 1The meaning half手 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half㓞 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 挈? 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 挈
Identify the Components
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How to say to assist, to help; to lead by hand in Chinese
“to assist, to help; to lead by hand” in Chinese is挈
The character 挈 (qiè) primarily means to assist or help, often implying a physical action such as lifting or taking someone along. It can be used in contexts where one person supports or guides another, especially in a familial or caring capacity. The nuance often includes a sense of elevation, both physically and metaphorically, suggesting a nurturing role.
When to use 挈
Be careful not to confuse 挈 (qiè) with similar-sounding words that have different meanings. It is typically used in more formal contexts, so avoid using it in casual conversation unless the situation is appropriate. Common collocations include 挈手 (to assist) and 挈带 (to take along).
挈 or something close to it
扶 (fú, to support) — use 挈 (qiè) when emphasizing assistance through lifting or taking along, whereas 扶 (fú) focuses more on providing support without the implication of movement.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 挈 with 带 (dài), which means 'to take along' but is more casual. For example, saying '我挈你去' instead of '我带你去' can sound overly formal in casual contexts. Always consider the tone of the conversation.
Write 挈
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Practice writing 挈 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 挈
挈 carries 4 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Complete the Sentence
我们向委员会提纲____领地讲了讲我们的提案。
We outlined our proposals to the committee.
Example Sentences for 挈 (1)
Word Family of 挈
Compound Meaning
What does 提纲挈领 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 挈
You can say '我会挈你去学校' (Wǒ huì qiè nǐ qù xuéxiào), meaning 'I will take you to school'.
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