HSK 7, unknown, 10 strokes, radical 扌, rank #3544, Hard
捅
tǒng
to prod
HSK 7, unknown, 10 strokes, radical 扌, rank #3544, Hard
捅
tǒng
to nudge
HSK 7, unknown, 10 strokes, radical 扌, rank #3544, Hard
捅
tǒng
to disclose
HSK 7, unknown, 10 strokes, radical 扌, rank #3544, Hard
tǒng(tong3) T3
1to jab, to poke
2to stab
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March 24, 2026
捅tǒng(tong3)
The character 捅 (tǒng) means to jab or poke something with a pointed object. It is commonly used in contexts where one physically prods or nudges an object or person, but it can also refer to disclosing information or secrets. The nuance of this character implies a forceful or sudden action.
Strokes10Radical扌Frequency#3544DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the act of poking or prodding can also metaphorically refer to pushing someone to reveal secrets or truths, reflecting the value of honesty in interpersonal relationships. This character might appear in contexts discussing gossip or social dynamics.
Memory Tip
Imagine poking a balloon with a sharp object—when you do, it pops! The character 捅 looks like a hand (扌) jabbing down onto a surface, symbolizing the action of poking. The pronunciation 'tǒng' can remind you of 'tongue,' as if your tongue is prodding for information.
Meanings of 捅
tǒng(tong3)
1to jab, to poke
2to stab
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 捅
捅Simplified
10Strokes
扌Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 捅
Podcast: 捅
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AI Study Notes for 捅
Quick Contrast
捅 (tǒng) vs 刺 (cì) — use 捅 for a more forceful or sudden jab, while 刺 implies a piercing action.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine poking a balloon with a sharp object—when you do, it pops! The character 捅 looks like a hand (扌) jabbing down onto a surface, symbolizing the action of poking. The pronunciation 'tǒng' can remind you of 'tongue,' as if your tongue is prodding for information.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 捅 with similar verbs that imply gentle actions, as 捅 is more forceful. This word can be used in both informal and formal contexts, but caution is advised when using it in a serious conversation about sensitive topics, as it may imply aggression. Common collocations include 捅破 (to poke through) and 捅人 (to poke someone).
HSK Study Tips
Although 捅 is not an HSK word, it can still be useful for learners at the intermediate level. Focus on its usage in both physical and metaphorical contexts, and try to connect it with other actions that involve movement or force, such as 打 (to hit) and 推 (to push).
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the act of poking or prodding can also metaphorically refer to pushing someone to reveal secrets or truths, reflecting the value of honesty in interpersonal relationships. This character might appear in contexts discussing gossip or social dynamics.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly use 捅 to mean gentle poking, leading to confusion. For example, saying '我想轻轻地捅一下' (I want to gently poke) is incorrect; instead, use a word like 触碰 (chù pèng) for gentle contact.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 捅
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Grammar Patterns of 捅
捅 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 5 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
约翰冲着他们笑了笑，开玩笑地____了理查德一下。
John smiled at them and gave Richard a playful poke.
Example Sentences for 捅 (9)
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1
约翰冲着他们笑了笑，开玩笑地捅了理查德一下。
yuē hàn chōng zháo tā mén xiào le xiào， ， kāi wán xiào dì tǒng le lǐ chá dé yī。
John smiled at them and gave Richard a playful poke.
She should know better than to poke the animal with her umbrella.
4
她用伞捅了那男子一下.
tā yòng sǎn tǒng le nà nán zǐ yī xià.
She gave the man a prod with her umbrella.
5
暴徒恐吓受害者说如果他不把所有的钱都交出来,就捅死他.
bào tú kǒng xià shòu hài zhě shuō rú guǒ tā bù bǎ suǒ yǒu de qián dū jiāo chū lái, , jiù tǒng sǐ.
The ruffian threatened to run his victim through if he did not hand over all his money.
6
该不会是有人在背后捅了他一刀吧?
gāi bù huì shì yǒu rén zài bèi hòu tǒng le tā yī dāo bā?
A knife in his back as like as not.
7
有人朝他肚子上捅了一刀。
yǒu rén zhāo tā dù zǐ shàng tǒng le yī dāo。
Somebody stabbed him in the stomach.
8
那个大汉一刀就把岗哨捅倒了.
nà gè dà hàn yī dāo jiù bǎ gǎng shào tǒng dǎo le.
The bigman stabbed at the guard with a knife.
9
她用手指捅了捅他的腰。
tā yòng shǒu zhǐ tǒng le tǒng tā de yāo。
She jabbed him in the ribs with her finger.
Cultural Notes for 捅
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the act of poking or prodding can also metaphorically refer to pushing someone to reveal secrets or truths, reflecting the value of honesty in interpersonal relationships. This character might appear in contexts discussing gossip or social dynamics.
Word Family of 捅
Words Containing This Character3
捅tǒngto stab
捅娄子to make a mess of sth捅婁子
捅马蜂窝to poke through a hornets' nest捅馬蜂窩
Exercise 1 of 3
Compound Meaning
What does 捅 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 捅
Some synonyms include 插 (chā, to insert) and 挤 (jǐ, to squeeze), but remember that 捅 tends to imply a more forceful action.
Yes, 捅 can be used to describe the act of poking someone to reveal information or secrets.
捅 is generally informal, so it's best used in casual conversations rather than formal settings.
