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March 24, 2026
手脚(手腳)shǒujiǎo(shou3jiao3)
手脚 (shǒujiǎo) refers to both 'hands' and 'feet' collectively. It is commonly used to describe physical actions or movements involving limbs, and can also imply the idea of doing something or taking action in various contexts, such as in expressions about procedures or tricks.
Frequency#5666DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the phrase 手脚 often relates to the importance of physical labor and action, reflecting the value placed on industriousness and the embodiment of effort through one's limbs in traditional practices.
Memory Tip
Imagine your hands (手) and feet (脚) are working together to take a step (脚) in a dance. Visualize them moving in harmony, as if they are part of a well-rehearsed routine, emphasizing the connection between action and movement.
Meanings of 手脚
shǒujiǎo(shou3jiao3)
1hand and foot
2movement of limbs
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About 手脚
手脚Simplified
手腳Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 手脚
Podcast: 手脚
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AI Study Notes for 手脚
Quick Contrast
手 (hand) vs 脚 (foot) — use 手脚 when referring to both limbs together.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine your hands (手) and feet (脚) are working together to take a step (脚) in a dance. Visualize them moving in harmony, as if they are part of a well-rehearsed routine, emphasizing the connection between action and movement.
Usage Notes
Be mindful that 手脚 can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but its usage may vary. Common collocations include phrases like '动手脚' (to take action) or '手脚不干净' (to be dishonest). Avoid confusing it with单独的手 (hand) or脚 (foot) when used in idiomatic expressions.
HSK Study Tips
While 手脚 is not at a specific HSK level, it connects to HSK 2 vocabulary related to body parts and actions. Focus on using it in sentences that describe activities or movements to strengthen understanding of its application.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the phrase 手脚 often relates to the importance of physical labor and action, reflecting the value placed on industriousness and the embodiment of effort through one's limbs in traditional practices.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 手脚 with just '手' (hand) or '脚' (foot) when trying to express an action. For example, saying '我用手做' (I use my hand to do) instead of '我用手脚做' (I use my hands and feet to do) misses the nuance of collective action.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 手脚
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Cultural Notes for 手脚
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the phrase 手脚 often relates to the importance of physical labor and action, reflecting the value placed on industriousness and the embodiment of effort through one's limbs in traditional practices.
Frequently Asked Questions about 手脚
Literally, it means 'hands and feet', referring to both limbs and their actions.
Yes, the phrase '手脚不干净' indicates dishonesty or trickery, linking actions with morality.
It's often used in phrases that emphasize taking physical action or the manner in which tasks are performed.
