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March 24, 2026
按àn(an4)
The character 按 (àn) primarily means 'to press' or 'to push', commonly used in contexts where physical action is involved, such as pressing a button. It can also imply controlling or restraining something, like 'to keep one's hand on' an object or 'to check' information. In addition, it is used in expressions that refer to actions taken 'according to' certain standards or rules.
Strokes9Radical扌Frequency#836DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 'pressing' can extend beyond the physical act to signify controlling or regulating aspects of life, reflecting a societal preference for order and structure. This can be seen in the phrase 按规矩办事 (àn guīju bàn shì), meaning to handle matters according to established rules.
Memory Tip
Imagine pressing a giant 'A' button (à) on a control panel. The character 按 combines the hand radical 扌, symbolizing the action of pressing, with the phonetic component 'an' underneath. Picture your hand pressing down on this button to remember both the shape and sound!
Meanings of 按
àn(an4)
1to press
2to push
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 按
按Simplified
9Strokes
扌Radical
介词jiècípreposition (prep.)Part of Speech
#836Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L4ElementaryTOCFLL3YCTL4HSKKL2CEFRA2
Podcast: 按
Podcast: 按
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AI Study Notes for 按
Quick Contrast
按 (àn) vs 摁 (èn): Use 按 for general pressing actions or following rules, while 摁 is more specific to pressing down forcefully.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine pressing a giant 'A' button (à) on a control panel. The character 按 combines the hand radical 扌, symbolizing the action of pressing, with the phonetic component 'an' underneath. Picture your hand pressing down on this button to remember both the shape and sound!
Usage Notes
When using 按, be cautious of its context. It can indicate physical actions as well as abstract concepts like 'according to'. A common mistake is to confuse it with similar verbs like '推' (tuī), which means 'to push' but is used in different contexts. Use formal expressions when discussing rules and regulations, such as 按照 (ànzhào) for 'according to'.
HSK Study Tips
Although 按 is not included in HSK levels, it is essential for learners aiming for practical communication. Students should focus on its collocations, like 按钮 (àniǔ, 'button') and 按时 (ànshí, 'on time'), to understand its versatile uses in daily conversation.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 'pressing' can extend beyond the physical act to signify controlling or regulating aspects of life, reflecting a societal preference for order and structure. This can be seen in the phrase 按规矩办事 (àn guīju bàn shì), meaning to handle matters according to established rules.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 按 with similar characters like 推 (tuī), leading to incorrect phrases. For example, saying '按一个人' (àn yī gè rén) instead of '推一个人' (tuī yī gè rén) when meaning to push a person.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 按
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Grammar Patterns of 按
按 functions as a preposition (often called a "coverb" in Chinese). It introduces a phrase that comes BEFORE the main verb (我在家吃饭, 给妈妈打电话), unlike English which puts prepositions after the verb. It carries 11 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.
Talk things through in stages. Do not accuse or apportion blame.
10
我们按欧洲人的方式互相亲吻了面颊。
wǒ mén àn ōu zhōu rén de fāng shì hù xiāng qīn wěn le miàn jiá。
We kissed each other's cheeks in the European manner.
Cultural Notes for 按
💡Did you know?
In Chinese culture, the act of pressing buttons is often associated with technology and control, reflecting how modern society interacts with machines. The character '按' emphasizes the physical action of pressing, which is essential in everyday tasks, from operating home appliances to using smartphones.
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of 'pressing' can extend beyond the physical act to signify controlling or regulating aspects of life, reflecting a societal preference for order and structure. This can be seen in the phrase 按规矩办事 (àn guīju bàn shì), meaning to handle matters according to established rules.
Word Family of 按
Words Containing This Character20
按ànto press
按照ànzhàoaccording to
按摩ànmómassage
按钮push button按鈕
按时ànshíon time按時
按键ànjiànkeystroke按鍵
按揭a mortgage
按部就班to follow the prescribed order; to keep to the working routine (idiom)
按下to press down
按期on schedule
按压to press按壓
按理说ànlǐshuōit is reasonable to say that...按理說
编者按editor's commentary編者按
按兵不动to hold back one's troops without moving (idiom); to bide one's time按兵不動
按说ànshuōordinarily按說
按劳分配distribution according to work按勞分配
按捺不住to be unable to hold back
按理normally
按捺to restrain
按语note按語
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 按 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 按
Some common phrases include '按时' (àn shí), which means 'on time,' and '按照' (ànzhào), meaning 'according to.' These phrases illustrate the character's usage in expressing adherence to rules or timelines.
To differentiate 按 from characters like 推 (tuī), meaning 'to push', focus on the context. 按 typically involves pressing down firmly, while 推 suggests a more general pushing action. Understanding the nuances can enhance your Chinese comprehension.
按 (àn) means 'to press' or 'to push.' It can also imply leaving something aside, controlling, or restraining. This versatile character is commonly used in various contexts, such as pressing a button or controlling a situation.
You can use 按 in sentences like '请按这个按钮' (Qǐng àn zhège ànniǔ), which means 'Please press this button.' It's often used with objects to indicate pressing or pushing actions.
Yes, 按 can refer to both pressing a button physically and adhering to rules or guidelines in an abstract sense.
按 primarily means 'to press' while 推 means 'to push'. They have different usages depending on the context.
You can say '请按这个按钮' (Qǐng àn zhège ànniǔ), which means 'Please press this button'.
