HSK 7, unknown, 12 strokes, radical 扌, rank #8386, Hard
揪
jiū
to clutch
HSK 7, unknown, 12 strokes, radical 扌, rank #8386, Hard
揪
jiū
to hold tight
HSK 7, unknown, 12 strokes, radical 扌, rank #8386, Hard
揪
jiū
to grip
HSK 7, unknown, 12 strokes, radical 扌, rank #8386, Hard
jiū(jiu1) T1
1to pinch, to grasp
2to seize
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March 24, 2026
揪jiū(jiu1)
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.
Strokes12Radical扌Frequency#8386DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, the act of 'gripping' or 'holding' is often associated with therapies that involve touch, emphasizing the importance of physical connection in health practices.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person named 'Jiu' who is gripping a large 'jewel' tightly in their hand. The character 揪 has the hand radical (扌) on the left, representing actions done by hands like pinching or gripping, linking the form to its meaning.
Meanings of 揪
jiū(jiu1)
1to pinch, to grasp
2to seize
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 揪
揪Simplified
12Strokes
扌Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedBCT✓CEFRC2
Podcast: 揪
Podcast: 揪
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AI Study Notes for 揪
Quick Contrast
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.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a person named 'Jiu' who is gripping a large 'jewel' tightly in their hand. The character 揪 has the hand radical (扌) on the left, representing actions done by hands like pinching or gripping, linking the form to its meaning.
Usage Notes
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).
HSK Study Tips
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.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, the act of 'gripping' or 'holding' is often associated with therapies that involve touch, emphasizing the importance of physical connection in health practices.
Common Mistakes
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.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 揪
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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.
Exercise 1 of 4
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)
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1
迈克一直揪着他的领子把他往上猛举。
mài kè yī zhí jiū zháo tā de lǐng zǐ bǎ tā wǎng shàng měng jǔ。
Mike kept snatching him up by the collar and jerking him up.
2
她揪心事太多,人都显得老了.
tā jiū xīn shì tài duō, , rén dū xiǎn dé lǎo.
Too much worry had made her look an old woman.
3
伊丽莎白随手从他的翻领上揪下一根线头。
yī lì suō bái suí shǒu cóng tā de fān lǐng shàng jiū xià yī gēn xiàn tóu。
Elizabeth absent-mindedly picked a thread from his lapel.
4
伤口疼得揪心.
shāng kǒu téng dé jiū xīn.
There was a gnawing pain from the wound.
5
因为他们揪着玉米耳朵掰玉米.
yīn wéi tā mén jiū zháo yù mǐ ěr duǒ bāi yù mǐ.
They pull corns by the ears.
Cultural Notes for 揪
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese medicine, the act of 'gripping' or 'holding' is often associated with therapies that involve touch, emphasizing the importance of physical connection in health practices.
Word Family of 揪
Words Containing This Character3
揪jiūto seize
揪心worried
揪辫子to seize on weak points揪辮子
Exercise 1 of 3
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.
Yes, it can be used figuratively, such as in the phrase 揪心, meaning to be anxious or worried.
It's more common in informal settings, particularly when describing actions involving grip or hold.
