Meanings of 揪
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About 揪
Podcast: 揪
Podcast: 揪
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AI Study Notes for 揪
揪 (jiū) vs 抓 (zhuā) — use 揪 when emphasizing a tight grip with fingers, while 抓 indicates a more general act of grabbing or seizing.
Be cautious with the tone when pronouncing 揪 (jiū); it should be pronounced with a high flat tone. This verb is often used in informal contexts and can be combined with words like 揪心 (to be worried) or 揪住 (to hold onto).
Though 揪 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, it connects to basic verbs related to actions and physical interactions at HSK level 1-2. Students should focus on practice using it in sentences to enhance their understanding of action verbs.
Learners often confuse 揪 (jiū) with similar-sounding words. For example, using 揪 when they should use 抓 instead, as in saying 揪住机会 instead of 抓住机会 (seize the opportunity). Remember that 揪 implies a tighter grip.
Pronunciation of 揪
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Etymology of 揪
Phonosemantic compound. 扌 represents the meaning and 秋 represents the sound.
hand
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 揪
Phonosemantic compound. 扌 represents the meaning and 秋 represents the sound.
- 1The meaning half扌 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half秋 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawayhand
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 揪? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
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Decomposition of 揪
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How to say to pinch, to grasp in Chinese
“to pinch, to grasp” in Chinese is揪
The character 揪 (jiū) means to pinch or grasp something firmly, often using one's fingers. It is commonly used in contexts where something is seized or clutched tightly, whether it be a physical object or an abstract concept like an opportunity.
When to use 揪
Be cautious with the tone when pronouncing 揪 (jiū); it should be pronounced with a high flat tone. This verb is often used in informal contexts and can be combined with words like 揪心 (to be worried) or 揪住 (to hold onto).
揪 or something close to it
揪 (jiū) vs 抓 (zhuā) — use 揪 when emphasizing a tight grip with fingers, while 抓 indicates a more general act of grabbing or seizing.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 揪 (jiū) with similar-sounding words. For example, using 揪 when they should use 抓 instead, as in saying 揪住机会 instead of 抓住机会 (seize the opportunity). Remember that 揪 implies a tighter grip.
Write 揪
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Practice writing 揪 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 揪
揪 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.
Complete the Sentence
迈克一直____着他的领子把他往上猛举。
Mike kept snatching him up by the collar and jerking him up.
Example Sentences for 揪 (5)
Word Family of 揪
Compound Meaning
What does 揪 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 揪
While both involve holding something, 揪 (jiū) emphasizes a firmer grip or pinch, whereas 抓 (zhuā) generally means to grab or catch.
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