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March 24, 2026
撤chè(che4)
The character 撤 (chè) means 'to remove' or 'to withdraw.' It is often used in contexts where something is taken away or omitted, such as withdrawing a proposal or removing an object. This term is commonly encountered in both formal and informal settings, particularly in discussions about decisions or actions that involve taking back something previously offered.
Strokes15Radical扌Frequency#4720DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese, the concept of withdrawal or removal can be seen in political contexts, such as withdrawing troops or policies. This reflects a cultural emphasis on consensus and the importance of retracting decisions when necessary, indicating flexibility.
Memory Tip
Imagine a magician (the character 撤) who 'removes' a rabbit from a hat. The 'chi' sound in 'chè' can remind you of the 'che' in 'chop,' as in chopping away something unwanted. Visualize the magician withdrawing the rabbit to remember both the meaning and pronunciation.
Meanings of 撤
chè(che4)
1to remove
2to take away
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 撤
撤Simplified
15Strokes
扌Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#4720Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedTOCFLL5CEFRC2
Podcast: 撤
Podcast: 撤
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AI Study Notes for 撤
Quick Contrast
撤 (chè) vs 取消 (qǔxiāo) — use 撤 when referring specifically to the act of removing something that was previously in place, while 取消 focuses on canceling an event or arrangement.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a magician (the character 撤) who 'removes' a rabbit from a hat. The 'chi' sound in 'chè' can remind you of the 'che' in 'chop,' as in chopping away something unwanted. Visualize the magician withdrawing the rabbit to remember both the meaning and pronunciation.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 撤 with similar verbs like 取 (qǔ), which means 'to take.' 撤 is more formal and is often used in contexts involving withdrawal or removal. Common collocations include 撤回 (withdraw) and 撤掉 (remove).
HSK Study Tips
Although 撤 is not in the HSK vocabulary list, it connects well with other verbs related to actions such as 走 (zǒu - to go) and 去 (qù - to leave). Focus on using it in phrases that express actions of removal or withdrawal in various contexts.
Cultural Note
In Chinese, the concept of withdrawal or removal can be seen in political contexts, such as withdrawing troops or policies. This reflects a cultural emphasis on consensus and the importance of retracting decisions when necessary, indicating flexibility.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 撤 with 取 (qǔ), mistakenly using it in contexts where simply 'to take' is more appropriate. For example, saying '我想撤这个东西' (I want to remove this thing) can be misleading if the intent is just to pick it up; instead, use 取 (qǔ).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 撤
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Grammar Patterns of 撤
撤 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 4 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
军队的____出为独立铺平了道路。
The pull-out of the army paves the way for independence.
Example Sentences for 撤 (10)
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1
军队的撤出为独立铺平了道路。
jūn duì de chè chū wéi dú lì pū píng le dào lù。
The pull-out of the army paves the way for independence.
2
这本书因含有需要删除的问题章节而被撤回。
zhè běn shū yīn hán yǒu xū yào shān chú de wèn tí zhāng jié ér bèi chè huí。
The book was withdrawn for the offending passages to be deleted.
People are leaving in their thousands while the going is good.
7
工会已经公开撤回了那项要求。
gōng huì yǐ jīng gōng kāi chè huí le nà xiàng yào qiú。
The union has publicly backed off that demand.
8
撤销这个合同不会有任何问题。
chè xiāo zhè gè hé tóng bù huì yǒu rèn hé wèn tí。
Getting out of the contract would be no problem.
9
上诉法庭已经撤销对所有11人的判决。
shàng sù fǎ tíng yǐ jīng chè xiāo duì suǒ yǒu11 11 rén de pàn。
The Appeal Court has quashed the convictions of all eleven people.
10
上诉法院法官沃特金斯撤销了对他作出的9个月徒刑的判决。
shàng sù fǎ yuàn fǎ guān wò tè jīn sī chè xiāo le duì tā zuò chū de9 9 gè yuè tú xíng de pàn。
His nine-month sentence was overturned by Appeal Court judge Lord Justice Watkins.
Cultural Notes for 撤
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese, the concept of withdrawal or removal can be seen in political contexts, such as withdrawing troops or policies. This reflects a cultural emphasis on consensus and the importance of retracting decisions when necessary, indicating flexibility.
Word Family of 撤
Words Containing This Character18
撤chèto remove
撤销chèxiāoto repeal撤銷
撤离chèlíto evacuate撤離
撤退chètuìto retreat
撤出to withdraw
撤回to recall
撤军to retreat撤軍
撤消to repeal
撤走to retire
撤诉to drop a lawsuit撤訴
撤职to sack撤職
撤掉to cut
撤换chèhuànto replace (sb or sth)撤換
撤除to remove
后撤to retreat後撤
撤并to merge撤併
撤兵to retreat
裁撤to dissolve an organisation
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 撤 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 撤
You can use 撤 in sentences like '他决定撤回他的提议' (He decided to withdraw his proposal).
While 撤 can be used in formal contexts, it is also appropriate in everyday conversations when discussing removal or withdrawal.
Synonyms include 取 (qǔ - to take) and 取消 (qǔxiāo - to cancel), though they have slightly different nuances.
