Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
掴(摑)guāi(guai1)
The character 掴 (guāi) means 'to slap' or 'to box someone's ears.' It is often used in the context of physical actions that involve striking someone with an open hand. This term is typically associated with a strong, sudden action and is used in informal contexts, often implying a reprimand or punishment.
Strokes11Radical扌Frequency#20654DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, physical punishment was sometimes used as a form of discipline, particularly for children. The use of 掴 can reflect historical attitudes towards authority and discipline in familial relationships.
Memory Tip
Imagine a child who mischievously slaps their sibling, and you can picture the action vividly. The left part of the character, 扌 (shǒu), represents a hand, while the right part, 𠂇, evokes the motion of a slap. Connect 'guāi' with the idea of a quick, sharp action to remember its sound and meaning.
Meanings of 掴
guāi(guai1)
1to slap, to box one's ears
2also pr. [guo2]
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 掴
掴Simplified
摑Traditional
11Strokes
扌Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 掴
Podcast: 掴
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 掴
Quick Contrast
打 (dǎ, to hit) - use 掴 when emphasizing a slapping motion specifically, rather than a general hitting action.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a child who mischievously slaps their sibling, and you can picture the action vividly. The left part of the character, 扌 (shǒu), represents a hand, while the right part, 𠂇, evokes the motion of a slap. Connect 'guāi' with the idea of a quick, sharp action to remember its sound and meaning.
Usage Notes
Learners often mistake 掴 for other similar verbs that imply hitting, such as 打 (dǎ). Remember that 掴 specifically refers to a slap or a box on the ears rather than a general hit. It's more common in informal settings and should be used cautiously in formal contexts.
HSK Study Tips
While 掴 is not at a specific HSK level, it connects to more general vocabulary related to actions and emotions that learners at HSK 2 or 3 might encounter. Focus on practicing its pronunciation and understanding its use in colloquial speech.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, physical punishment was sometimes used as a form of discipline, particularly for children. The use of 掴 can reflect historical attitudes towards authority and discipline in familial relationships.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 掴 with 打 (dǎ) and use them interchangeably, using 掴 when they mean to say 'hit' in a general sense. For example, saying '我会掴他' (I will hit him) should be corrected to '我会打他.'
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 掴
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 掴 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 掴 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Cultural Notes for 掴
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese culture, physical punishment was sometimes used as a form of discipline, particularly for children. The use of 掴 can reflect historical attitudes towards authority and discipline in familial relationships.
Word Family of 掴
Words Containing This Character1
掴guāito slap摑
Exercise 1 of 1
Compound Meaning
What does 掴 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 掴
No, 掴 is primarily used in informal contexts, so it's best avoided in formal writing.
No, 掴 implies a strong action like slapping, so it does not fit a gentle touch.
Yes, similar words include 打 (dǎ), which means 'to hit' more generally.
