HSK 7, v, 10 strokes, radical 扌, rank #3544, Very Hard
捅
tǒng
to stab
HSK 7, unknown, 10 strokes, radical 扌, rank #3544, Very Hard
捅
tǒng
to prod
HSK 7, unknown, 10 strokes, radical 扌, rank #3544, Very Hard
捅
tǒng
to nudge
HSK 7, unknown, 10 strokes, radical 扌, rank #3544, Very Hard
捅
tǒng
to disclose
HSK 7, unknown, 10 strokes, radical 扌, rank #3544, Very Hard
tǒng(tong3) T3
1to jab, to poke
2to stab
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
捅tǒng(tong3)
The character 捅 (tǒng) means to jab or poke something with a pointed object. It is commonly used in contexts where one physically prods or nudges an object or person, but it can also refer to disclosing information or secrets. The nuance of this character implies a forceful or sudden action.
Strokes10Radical扌Frequency#3544DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the act of poking or prodding can also metaphorically refer to pushing someone to reveal secrets or truths, reflecting the value of honesty in interpersonal relationships. This character might appear in contexts discussing gossip or social dynamics.
Memory Tip
Imagine poking a balloon with a sharp object—when you do, it pops! The character 捅 looks like a hand (扌) jabbing down onto a surface, symbolizing the action of poking. The pronunciation 'tǒng' can remind you of 'tongue,' as if your tongue is prodding for information.
Meanings of 捅
tǒng(tong3)
1to jab, to poke
2to stab
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 捅
捅Simplified
10Strokes
扌Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 捅
Podcast: 捅
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 捅
Quick Contrast
捅 (tǒng) vs 刺 (cì) — use 捅 for a more forceful or sudden jab, while 刺 implies a piercing action.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 捅 with similar verbs that imply gentle actions, as 捅 is more forceful. This word can be used in both informal and formal contexts, but caution is advised when using it in a serious conversation about sensitive topics, as it may imply aggression. Common collocations include 捅破 (to poke through) and 捅人 (to poke someone).
HSK Study Tips
Although 捅 is not an HSK word, it can still be useful for learners at the intermediate level. Focus on its usage in both physical and metaphorical contexts, and try to connect it with other actions that involve movement or force, such as 打 (to hit) and 推 (to push).
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly use 捅 to mean gentle poking, leading to confusion. For example, saying '我想轻轻地捅一下' (I want to gently poke) is incorrect; instead, use a word like 触碰 (chù pèng) for gentle contact.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 捅
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 捅 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Phonosemantic compound. 扌 represents the meaning and 甬 represents the sound.
1The meaning half扌 carries the sense.
2The sound half甬 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 捅? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 捅?
Decomposition of 捅
IDS Structure⿰扌甬
捅Full Character
=
扌shou3
left
甬tong3
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 捅?
How to say to jab, to poke in Chinese
“to jab, to poke” in Chinese is捅tǒng
The character 捅 (tǒng) means to jab or poke something with a pointed object. It is commonly used in contexts where one physically prods or nudges an object or person, but it can also refer to disclosing information or secrets. The nuance of this character implies a forceful or sudden action.
When to use 捅
Be careful not to confuse 捅 with similar verbs that imply gentle actions, as 捅 is more forceful. This word can be used in both informal and formal contexts, but caution is advised when using it in a serious conversation about sensitive topics, as it may imply aggression. Common collocations include 捅破 (to poke through) and 捅人 (to poke someone).
捅 or something close to it
捅 (tǒng) vs 刺 (cì) — use 捅 for a more forceful or sudden jab, while 刺 implies a piercing action.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mistakenly use 捅 to mean gentle poking, leading to confusion. For example, saying '我想轻轻地捅一下' (I want to gently poke) is incorrect; instead, use a word like 触碰 (chù pèng) for gentle contact.
Write 捅
捅
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 捅 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 捅
捅 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 5 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
约翰冲着他们笑了笑，开玩笑地____了理查德一下。
John smiled at them and gave Richard a playful poke.
Example Sentences for 捅 (9)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
约翰冲着他们笑了笑，开玩笑地捅了理查德一下。
yuē hàn chōng zháo tā mén xiào le xiào， ， kāi wán xiào dì tǒng le lǐ chá dé yī。
John smiled at them and gave Richard a playful poke.
