to carry (esp. slung over the arm, shoulder or side)
HSK 7, n, 9 strokes, radical 扌, rank #27798, Very Hard
挎
kuà
to carry
HSK 7, n, 9 strokes, radical 扌, rank #27798, Very Hard
kuà(kua4) T4
1to carry (esp. slung over the arm, shoulder or side)
2to carry
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March 24, 2026
挎kuà(kua4)
The character 挎 (kuà) refers to the action of carrying something, particularly in a manner where the item is slung over the arm, shoulder, or side. This term is commonly used in contexts such as carrying bags, backpacks, or other items that can be easily draped over one's body, suggesting a casual or practical approach to carrying belongings.
Strokes9Radical扌Frequency#27798DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, carrying bags or items slung over the shoulder is a common practice, often seen in bustling urban environments where convenience and mobility are essential. This character captures a practical aspect of daily life, especially in markets or while commuting.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person with a bag slung over their shoulder, effortlessly carrying it as they walk. The character 挎 has the radical 扌 (hand), indicating an action involving the hand, combined with 夸 (kuā), which sounds similar and can remind you of a 'slung' action. Picture the bag being 'bragged' about as it hangs stylishly on the shoulder.
Meanings of 挎
kuà(kua4)
1to carry (esp. slung over the arm, shoulder or side)
2to carry
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 挎
挎Simplified
9Strokes
扌Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#27798Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 挎
Podcast: 挎
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AI Study Notes for 挎
Quick Contrast
提 (tí) - use 挎 when referring to carrying something slung over the arm or shoulder, while 提 refers to lifting or carrying something by hand.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a person with a bag slung over their shoulder, effortlessly carrying it as they walk. The character 挎 has the radical 扌 (hand), indicating an action involving the hand, combined with 夸 (kuā), which sounds similar and can remind you of a 'slung' action. Picture the bag being 'bragged' about as it hangs stylishly on the shoulder.
Usage Notes
Learners should note that 挎 is typically used in informal contexts, and is often associated with casual or everyday carrying. Common collocations include phrases like '挎包' (kuà bā) meaning 'shoulder bag'. Be careful not to confuse it with other carrying verbs like 拿 (ná), which implies a more direct holding.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 挎 connects with other terms related to carrying or holding, such as 提 (tí, to lift) and 拿 (ná, to take). Students should focus on differentiating between these similar verbs, especially in terms of context and nuance in usage.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, carrying bags or items slung over the shoulder is a common practice, often seen in bustling urban environments where convenience and mobility are essential. This character captures a practical aspect of daily life, especially in markets or while commuting.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 挎 with the more general term 拿, using it incorrectly in formal contexts. For instance, saying '我挎一个重箱子' (Wǒ kuà yīgè zhòng xiāngzi) is incorrect; it should be '我拿一个重箱子' (Wǒ ná yīgè zhòng xiāngzi).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 挎
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Grammar Patterns of 挎
挎 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 2 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
他把包一甩，____在肩上。
He slung the bag over his shoulder.
Example Sentences for 挎 (10)
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1
他把包一甩，挎在肩上。
tā bǎ bāo yī shuǎi， ， kuà zài jiān。
He slung the bag over his shoulder.
2
他靠着船头跪下, 暂时又把钓索挎在背上.
tā kào zháo chuán tóu guì xià, , zàn shí yòu bǎ diào suǒ kuà zài bèi.
He kneeled against the bow and, for a moment, slipped the line over his back again.
3
天空灰蒙蒙的,早起的家庭主妇挎着鼓鼓的袋子从他身旁走过.
tiān kōng huī mēng mēng de, , zǎo qǐ de jiā tíng zhǔ fù kuà zháo gǔ gǔ de dài zǐ cóng tā shēn páng zǒu.
The early housewives passed him under the pale hazy sky, carrying bulging sacks.
The wreckage has been recovered but the two pilots are still missing.
8
暴风雨造成突然的停电,并弄挎了电话线.
bào fēng yǔ zào chéng tū rán de tíng diàn, , bìng nòng kuà le diàn huà.
The storm caused a suden blackout and brought down telephone lines.
9
妇女右臂挎了个篮子.
fù nǚ yòu bì kuà le gè lán zǐ.
There was a basket on the woman's arm.
10
现在带挎斗的摩托车已经不常见了!
xiàn zài dài kuà dǒu de mó tuō chē yǐ jīng bù cháng jiàn le!
Motorcycles with sidecars are rare now.
Cultural Notes for 挎
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, carrying bags or items slung over the shoulder is a common practice, often seen in bustling urban environments where convenience and mobility are essential. This character captures a practical aspect of daily life, especially in markets or while commuting.
Word Family of 挎
Words Containing This Character4
挎kuàto carry (esp. slung over the arm, shoulder or side)
挎包satchel
挎斗sidecar
挎兜satchel
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 挎 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 挎
You can say, '我今天挎了一个新包' (Wǒ jīntiān kuàle yīgè xīn bā), meaning 'I carried a new bag today.'
No, 挎 is generally informal and more commonly used in spoken language or casual writing.
It's more appropriate for light to medium items; for heavy items, use 拿 (ná) instead.
