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March 24, 2026
摆脱(擺脫)bǎituō(bai3tuo1)
摆脱 (bǎi tuō) means to break free from something that is restrictive or burdensome. It is commonly used in contexts where someone is trying to rid themselves of old habits, negative influences, or situations that hinder progress. The nuance of this term often implies a sense of empowerment in overcoming challenges.
Strokes24Frequency#2265DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 摆脱 is often linked to the idea of personal growth and societal expectations, where individuals may seek to break free from traditional roles or pressures. This reflects a broader cultural emphasis on self-actualization and the importance of mental well-being.
Memory Tip
Think of 摆 (bǎi) as ‘to place’ and 脱 (tuō) as ‘to take off.’ Imagine placing a heavy coat (representing burdens) on a hanger and taking it off, symbolizing the action of freeing oneself from weighty issues. The sound 'bai' can remind you of 'bye,' as in saying goodbye to old problems.
Meanings of 摆脱
bǎituō(bai3tuo1)
1to break away from
2to cast off (old ideas etc)
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 摆脱
摆脱Simplified
擺脫Traditional
24Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#2265Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1
Podcast: 摆脱
Podcast: 摆脱
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AI Study Notes for 摆脱
Quick Contrast
脱离 (tuōlí) - use 摆脱 (bǎituō) when emphasizing the act of breaking free with a sense of empowerment, while 脱离 (tuōlí) focuses more on the state of separation without that nuance.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 摆 (bǎi) as ‘to place’ and 脱 (tuō) as ‘to take off.’ Imagine placing a heavy coat (representing burdens) on a hanger and taking it off, symbolizing the action of freeing oneself from weighty issues. The sound 'bai' can remind you of 'bye,' as in saying goodbye to old problems.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include using 摆脱 with direct objects that are not burdensome, such as '摆脱朋友' (break away from friends) which sounds awkward. This term is more appropriate for negative situations, like '摆脱坏习惯' (get rid of bad habits). It is used in both formal and informal contexts but leans towards more serious discussions.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 摆脱 connects to other advanced vocabulary concerning personal development and overcoming challenges. Students should focus on its applications in various contexts, particularly in discussions about self-improvement and societal pressures.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 摆脱 is often linked to the idea of personal growth and societal expectations, where individuals may seek to break free from traditional roles or pressures. This reflects a broader cultural emphasis on self-actualization and the importance of mental well-being.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly use 摆脱 with positive contexts, such as '摆脱工作' (get rid of work), which is inappropriate. It should be corrected to ‘摆脱压力’ (get rid of pressure) to convey the intended meaning.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 摆脱
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Grammar Patterns of 摆脱
摆脱 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 7 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
这家航空公司亏损达3,500万美元，而澳航出资帮助其____了困境。
The airline had losses of $35m and was bailed out by Qantas.
In order to break away from excessive reliance on imports, this country began to vigorously develop local industries.
14
在心理治疗的帮助下，她慢慢地摆脱了童年阴影的影响。
Zài xīnlǐ zhìliáo de bāngzhù xià, tā mànmàn de bǎituō le tóngnián yīnyǐng de yǐngxiǎng.
With the help of psychotherapy, she slowly broke away from the influence of childhood shadows.
15
为了摆脱传统观念的束缚，他决定尝试一种全新的生活方式。
Wèile bǎituō chuántǒng guānniàn de shùfù, tā juédìng chángshì yī zhǒng quánxīn de shēnghuó fāngshì.
To break away from the constraints of traditional ideas, he decided to try a completely new lifestyle.
Cultural Notes for 摆脱
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of 摆脱 is often linked to the idea of personal growth and societal expectations, where individuals may seek to break free from traditional roles or pressures. This reflects a broader cultural emphasis on self-actualization and the importance of mental well-being.
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
In Western cultures, the idea of breaking free often emphasizes individualism, whereas in Chinese culture, it may also involve considerations of family and societal expectations when seeking freedom.
Frequently Asked Questions about 摆脱
No, 摆脱 is typically used in negative contexts where one is trying to rid themselves of burdens or difficulties.
Not exactly; 释放 (shì fàng) means 'to release' and is often used in contexts like physical release or letting go of emotions, while 摆脱 focuses on breaking away from burdens.
Common collocations include 摆脱困境 (break free from difficulties) and 摆脱烦恼 (get rid of worries).
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