unknown, 13 strokes, radical 扌, rank #24338, Very Hard
搡
sǎng
push over
unknown, 13 strokes, radical 扌, rank #24338, Very Hard
sǎng(sang3) T3
1to push over; to push back
2push back
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March 24, 2026
搡sǎng(sang3)
The character 搡 (sǎng) means to push over or push back. It is commonly used in contexts where one physically moves something or someone with force, often implying a sudden or vigorous action. This term can also describe more figurative uses, such as pushing back against an idea or proposal.
Strokes13Radical扌Frequency#24338DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, physical gestures like pushing are sometimes used in games or during festivals, where people might playfully 'push' each other in a friendly manner. This reflects the importance of social interactions in Chinese communal activities.
Memory Tip
Imagine a strong person using their hands (the radical 手, which means hand) to 'push over' a large object. The sound 'sǎng' can be remembered by associating it with the action of someone exerting effort to move something heavy, almost as if they are 'sang' a heavy tune while pushing.
Meanings of 搡
sǎng(sang3)
1to push over; to push back
2push back
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 搡
搡Simplified
13Strokes
扌Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 搡
Podcast: 搡
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AI Study Notes for 搡
Quick Contrast
推 (tuī) - use 推 when emphasizing a gentle or directed push, while 搡 implies a more forceful or vigorous action.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a strong person using their hands (the radical 手, which means hand) to 'push over' a large object. The sound 'sǎng' can be remembered by associating it with the action of someone exerting effort to move something heavy, almost as if they are 'sang' a heavy tune while pushing.
Usage Notes
Be cautious not to confuse 搡 with similar verbs like 推 (tuī), which also means 'to push' but is more general and does not imply the same forceful action. This term is more informal and is often used in everyday conversation rather than formal writing. It's commonly paired with objects that can be pushed.
HSK Study Tips
Although 搡 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it is useful for students familiar with basic motion verbs. Connecting it with other verbs like 推 (tuī) and 拉 (lā) will help learners understand the nuances of physical actions in Mandarin.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, physical gestures like pushing are sometimes used in games or during festivals, where people might playfully 'push' each other in a friendly manner. This reflects the importance of social interactions in Chinese communal activities.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 搡 with 推 (tuī), leading to sentences like '我推他' (wǒ tuī tā) when they mean to convey a forceful action, which would be better expressed as '我搡他' (wǒ sǎng tā). Remember, 搡 implies more vigorous action.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 搡
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Grammar Patterns of 搡
搡 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 3 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
他被人粗鲁地推____到了一边。
He had to be bundled unceremoniously out of the way.
Example Sentences for 搡 (5)
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1
他被人粗鲁地推搡到了一边。
tā bèi rén cū lǔ dì tuī sǎng dào le yī biān。
He had to be bundled unceremoniously out of the way.
2
他们被推来搡去，受到大肆的谩骂攻击。
tā mén bèi tuī lái sǎng qù， ， shòu dào dà sì de mán mà gōng。
They were jostled and subjected to a torrent of verbal abuse.
They were chest to chest, breathing fiercely , pushing and glaring.
Cultural Notes for 搡
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, physical gestures like pushing are sometimes used in games or during festivals, where people might playfully 'push' each other in a friendly manner. This reflects the importance of social interactions in Chinese communal activities.
Word Family of 搡
Words Containing This Character3
搡sǎngpush back
推搡to shove
推推搡搡to push and shove
Exercise 1 of 3
Compound Meaning
What does 搡 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 搡
No, 搡 is typically used in informal contexts and conversations.
Yes, it can be used metaphorically for pushing back against ideas or proposals, but it is less common.
You might hear 搡人 (sǎng rén) meaning 'to push someone' in casual conversations.
