Meanings of 挾
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 挾
Podcast: 挾
Podcast: 挾
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 挾
Learners often confuse 挾 with other characters that have similar meanings, such as 抱 (bào) which means to hug. While 挾 can imply a sense of seizing, it carries a more affectionate tone. Be mindful of the tone, as the second tone in xié can change the meaning if mispronounced.
Although 挾 is not included in the HSK vocabulary list, it can be related to other verbs of movement or holding like 拿 (ná) and 抱 (bào). Students should focus on recognizing its context in literature or spoken language to enhance vocabulary.
Learners might confuse 挾 with 抱 (bào) and use it interchangeably, leading to misunderstandings about affection versus mere holding. For example, saying '我想挾我的书' (I want to hold my book) is incorrect; it should be '我想拿我的书' (I want to take my book).
Pronunciation of 挾
Drill the tone of 挾 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 挾
Wedged 夾 in one's arms 扌; 夾 also provides the pronunciation
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 挾
- 1The giveawayWedged 夾 in one's arms 扌; 夾 also provides the pronunciation
- 2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 挾? 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
What type of character formation is 挾?
Decomposition of 挾
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 挾?
How to say to seize; to hold to one's bosom in Chinese
“to seize; to hold to one's bosom” in Chinese is挾
The character 挾 (xié) means to seize or hold onto something tightly, often in a way that suggests affection or possession. It can be used in both physical and metaphorical contexts, such as holding a loved one or clinging to an idea. The nuance often implies a sense of closeness or intimacy.
When to use 挾
Learners often confuse 挾 with other characters that have similar meanings, such as 抱 (bào) which means to hug. While 挾 can imply a sense of seizing, it carries a more affectionate tone. Be mindful of the tone, as the second tone in xié can change the meaning if mispronounced.
What learners get wrong
Learners might confuse 挾 with 抱 (bào) and use it interchangeably, leading to misunderstandings about affection versus mere holding. For example, saying '我想挾我的书' (I want to hold my book) is incorrect; it should be '我想拿我的书' (I want to take my book).
Write 挾
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 挾 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Word Family of 挾
Compound Meaning
What does 挟持 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 挾
It is pronounced as 'xié' with a rising second tone.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 挾?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.