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March 24, 2026
插手()chāshǒu(cha1shou3)
插手 (chāshǒu) means to get involved in something, often implying an unwanted or intrusive interference. This term is commonly used in contexts where someone's involvement is seen as meddling in others' affairs, such as personal relationships or business matters.
Frequency#4187DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of maintaining harmony is crucial, and 插手 often reflects a cultural value that discourages unnecessary interference in others' personal matters or business.
Memory Tip
Imagine someone trying to insert their hand (插手) into a jar of cookies that isn’t theirs. The action of inserting their hand symbolizes interference, helping you remember both the meaning and the pronunciation.
Meanings of 插手
chāshǒu(cha1shou3)
1to get involved in
2to meddle
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About 插手
插手Simplified
Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedTOCFLL5CEFRC2
Podcast: 插手
Podcast: 插手
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AI Study Notes for 插手
Quick Contrast
插手 (chāshǒu) vs 干预 (gānyù) — use 插手 when implying unwanted interference, while 干预 suggests a more formal or necessary intervention.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine someone trying to insert their hand (插手) into a jar of cookies that isn’t theirs. The action of inserting their hand symbolizes interference, helping you remember both the meaning and the pronunciation.
Usage Notes
Be mindful that 插手 carries a negative connotation, suggesting unwanted involvement. It's often used in informal settings, so avoid using it in formal contexts. Common collocations include 插手别人的事 (meddle in others' affairs).
HSK Study Tips
Although 插手 is not an HSK vocabulary word, its components can help learners understand similar words. Focus on the verb 插 (insert) and the noun 手 (hand), which are both foundational in constructing other phrases related to involvement and action.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of maintaining harmony is crucial, and 插手 often reflects a cultural value that discourages unnecessary interference in others' personal matters or business.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 插手 with the more neutral terms for involvement. For example, saying '我想插手这个项目' (I want to get involved in this project) may sound inappropriate unless the context indicates a negative interference.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 插手
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Cultural Notes for 插手
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of maintaining harmony is crucial, and 插手 often reflects a cultural value that discourages unnecessary interference in others' personal matters or business.
Frequently Asked Questions about 插手
Yes, 插手 usually implies an unwelcome or intrusive interference.
It's better to avoid using 插手 in formal contexts, as it may be seen as disrespectful.
Synonyms include 干涉 (gānshè, to interfere) and 介入 (jièrù, to intervene).
