HSK 6, unknown, 9 strokes, radical 大, rank #4081, Hard
牵
qiān
to draw in
HSK 6, unknown, 9 strokes, radical 大, rank #4081, Hard
qiān(qian1) T1
1to pull (an animal on a tether)
2to lead along
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March 24, 2026
牵(牽)qiān(qian1)
The character 牵 (qiān) primarily means 'to pull' or 'to lead along', often used in contexts involving animals, such as leading a pet on a leash. It can also refer to the act of holding hands with someone, suggesting a connection or involvement between individuals. Additionally, it can imply drawing someone into a situation or leading them in a more abstract sense.
Strokes9Radical大Frequency#4081DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
牵 is often associated with affection in Chinese culture, particularly in romantic relationships, where couples are seen holding hands, symbolizing connection and commitment. It can also be used in traditional contexts, such as leading a horse or animal, reflecting the importance of animals in rural life.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person pulling a dog on a leash (牵) while also holding hands with a friend. The character 牵 looks like a person (牵) leading an animal, with the 'animal' radical (牛) representing the act of pulling. Remember 'qiān' as 'can I lead you along?'
Meanings of 牵
qiān(qian1)
1to pull (an animal on a tether)
2to lead along
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 牵
牵Simplified
牽Traditional
9Strokes
大Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#4081Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 牵
Podcast: 牵
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AI Study Notes for 牵
Quick Contrast
牵 (qiān) vs 带 (dài) — use 牵 for holding or leading someone or something closely, while 带 emphasizes carrying or bringing along.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a person pulling a dog on a leash (牵) while also holding hands with a friend. The character 牵 looks like a person (牵) leading an animal, with the 'animal' radical (牛) representing the act of pulling. Remember 'qiān' as 'can I lead you along?'
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 牵 (qiān) with similar verbs like 拉 (lā, to pull) or 引 (yǐn, to lead), which have different connotations. In both formal and informal contexts, it’s frequently used with the object being led or pulled, e.g., 牵手 (hold hands). Pay attention to the tone; a mispronunciation may lead to confusion with other words.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 牵 is relevant when discussing relationships and interactions. Students should focus on using it in combination with other verbs and nouns to express actions involving leading or pulling, enhancing their vocabulary related to social interactions.
Cultural Note
牵 is often associated with affection in Chinese culture, particularly in romantic relationships, where couples are seen holding hands, symbolizing connection and commitment. It can also be used in traditional contexts, such as leading a horse or animal, reflecting the importance of animals in rural life.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 牵 with 拉 and use it incorrectly in sentences like '我拉我的朋友' (I pull my friend), which would be better expressed as '我牵我的朋友' to convey leading them gently.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 牵
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Grammar Patterns of 牵
牵 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 6 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
这是天竺葵和矮____牛盛开的时节。
This is when geraniums and petunias come into their own.
Example Sentences for 牵 (10)
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1
这是天竺葵和矮牵牛盛开的时节。
zhè shì tiān zhú kuí hé ǎi qiān niú shèng kāi de shí jié。
This is when geraniums and petunias come into their own.
2
他牵着迪康的手把他领进屋。
tā qiān zháo dí kāng de shǒu bǎ tā lǐng jìn wū。
He took Dickon by the hand to lead him into the house.
3
对于腿部骨折有什么方法替代牵引治疗吗？
duì yú tuǐ bù gǔ zhē yǒu shí mó fāng fǎ tì dài qiān yǐn zhì liáo ma？
Is there an alternative to traction for a broken leg?
Both the horses were out, tacked up and ready to ride.
9
在烈日下矮牵牛花已经开始枯萎了.
zài liè rì xià ǎi qiān niú huā yǐ jīng kāi shǐ kū wěi le.
The petunias were already wilting in the hot sun.
10
即使不把宗教牵扯进去，这个问题也已经够棘手的了。
jí shǐ bù bǎ zōng jiào qiān chě jìn qù， ， zhè gè wèn tí yě yǐ jīng gòu jí shǒu de。
It's difficult enough without muddying the issue with religion.
Cultural Notes for 牵
🏮Cultural insight
牵 is often associated with affection in Chinese culture, particularly in romantic relationships, where couples are seen holding hands, symbolizing connection and commitment. It can also be used in traditional contexts, such as leading a horse or animal, reflecting the importance of animals in rural life.
Word Family of 牵
Words Containing This Character20
牵qiānto lead along牽
牵扯qiānchěto involve牽扯
牵涉qiānshèto involve牽涉
牵连to implicate牽連
牵挂qiānguàto worry about牽掛
牵引to pull牽引
牵头qiāntóuto take the lead牽頭
牵制qiānzhìto control牽制
牵动to affect牽動
牵强far-fetched牽強
顺手牵羊to take advantage of a crisis for personal gain順手牽羊
牵线to pull strings牽線
牵牛花white-edged morning glory牽牛花
牵绊to bind牽絆
牵引力motive force牽引力
魂牵梦萦to miss魂牽夢縈
牵牛Altair (star)牽牛
牵强附会to make an irrelevant comparison or interpretation (idiom)牽強附會
牵着鼻子走to lead by the nose牽著鼻子走
牵肠挂肚deeply worried (idiom); to feel anxious牽腸掛肚
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 牵 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 牵
While both mean 'to pull', 牵 specifically implies leading or drawing someone along, often in a gentle manner, whereas 拉 can indicate a stronger pulling action.
Yes, 牵 can be used metaphorically to describe drawing someone into a situation or involving them in an activity.
牵 is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it tends to appear more in casual conversations about relationships.
