Skip to content
Start your Chinese Learning JourneyStart Now
挟持 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
挟持xiéchíto seizeHSK 7, unknown, 18 strokes, rank #12079, Very Hard
xiéchí(xie2chi2) T2
  1. 1to seize
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

挟持(挾持)xiéchí(xie2chi2)

The term '挟持' (xie2 chi2) means to seize or hold someone against their will, often in the context of a hostage situation. It implies a forceful control over a person, typically with the intent to negotiate or demand something in return. This word is commonly used in legal and news contexts, particularly regarding criminal activities.

Strokes18Frequency#12079DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In Chinese media, stories of '挟持' often appear in crime dramas or news reports, reflecting societal concerns about safety and law enforcement. The portrayal of such events can shape public perception of security in urban environments.

Memory Tip

Imagine a 'seal' (which sounds like 'xie') holding a fish tightly in its flippers (the character '持' means to hold). Visualize the seal seizing the fish to prevent it from escaping, just like someone might seize a person to control them.

Meanings of 挟持

xiéchí(xie2chi2)
1to seize
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 挟持

挟持Simplified
挾持Traditional
18Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 挟持

JasonAmy

Podcast: 挟持

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 挟持

Quick Contrast

绑架 (bǎngjià) - use '挟持' when emphasizing control over a person for negotiation, while '绑架' focuses on the act of kidnapping.

Usage Notes

Be cautious of the context in which you use '挟持', as it carries a serious connotation related to crime and coercion. It's generally used in formal contexts, especially in legal discussions. Common collocations include '挟持人质' (hostage-taking) and '挟持事件' (seizure incident).

HSK Study Tips

Although '挟持' is not part of the HSK vocabulary list, it can be related to HSK Level 4 words about actions and situations. Students at this level should focus on understanding the nuances of verbs related to force and control.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse '挟持' with '抢夺' (qiang3 duo2), which also means to seize but has a broader application including objects. For example, saying '挟持钱包' (seizing a wallet) is incorrect; instead, use '抢夺钱包'.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 挟持

Premium — Locked

AI tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of 挟持 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsInstant feedback+5 XP
See plans to unlock

Component Characters

挟jiāto seize; to hold to one's bosom
9 strokes扌
View full entry
持chíto hold
HSK 79 strokes扌
View full entry

How to say to seize in Chinese

“to seize” in Chinese is挟持xiéchí

The term '挟持' (xie2 chi2) means to seize or hold someone against their will, often in the context of a hostage situation. It implies a forceful control over a person, typically with the intent to negotiate or demand something in return. This word is commonly used in legal and news contexts, particularly regarding criminal activities.

When to use 挟持

Be cautious of the context in which you use '挟持', as it carries a serious connotation related to crime and coercion. It's generally used in formal contexts, especially in legal discussions. Common collocations include '挟持人质' (hostage-taking) and '挟持事件' (seizure incident).

挟持 or something close to it

绑架 (bǎngjià) - use '挟持' when emphasizing control over a person for negotiation, while '绑架' focuses on the act of kidnapping.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse '挟持' with '抢夺' (qiang3 duo2), which also means to seize but has a broader application including objects. For example, saying '挟持钱包' (seizing a wallet) is incorrect; instead, use '抢夺钱包'.

Write 挟持

挟
持

Practice writing 挟持 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Frequently Asked Questions about 挟持

No, '挟持' is typically used in specific contexts related to crime and is not common in casual conversation.

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 挟持?

Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.