unknown, 20 strokes, radical 扌, rank #49214, Very Hard
攘
rǎng
to reject or resist
unknown, 20 strokes, radical 扌, rank #49214, Very Hard
攘
rǎng
to perturb
unknown, 20 strokes, radical 扌, rank #49214, Very Hard
攘
rǎng
to steal
unknown, 20 strokes, radical 扌, rank #49214, Very Hard
rǎng(rang3) T3
1to usurp, to seize; to repel
2to push up one's sleeves
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March 24, 2026
攘rǎng(rang3)
The character 攘 (rǎng) primarily means to usurp or seize something, often in a context of forceful taking or repelling. It can also imply the act of rejecting or resisting something, as well as the physical action of pushing up one's sleeves, suggesting readiness for action. This character is often used in formal contexts or literary works.
Strokes20Radical扌Frequency#49214DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese history, the concept of usurping power has deep roots, often tied to dynastic changes and revolts. The character 攘 can evoke imagery of historical figures who seized power in tumultuous times, reflecting the complex relationship with authority in Chinese culture.
Memory Tip
Imagine a strong figure (representing 'rǎng') usurping a throne, pushing up their sleeves, ready to take charge. The radical 攴 suggests action or movement, which connects to the idea of seizing or repelling. Visualize this figure forcefully pushing away obstacles in their path.
Meanings of 攘
rǎng(rang3)
1to usurp, to seize; to repel
2to push up one's sleeves
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 攘 means.
About 攘
攘Simplified
20Strokes
扌Radical
动语素dòngcíverb root (v.root)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 攘
Podcast: 攘
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AI Study Notes for 攘
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 攘 with similar characters like 让 (ràng), which means to yield or let someone else do something. 攘 is typically used in formal contexts, while casual speech may favor more straightforward terms. Pay attention to the tone; a mispronunciation can change the meaning entirely.
HSK Study Tips
While 攘 is not in the HSK vocabulary list, it can be linked to words about conflict or resistance, such as 抵抗 (dǐkàng, to resist). Focus on understanding the contexts in which it appears, often in classical literature or formal discussions about power dynamics.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mix up 攘 with 让 (ràng), which leads to incorrect usage in sentences. For example, saying '我会让这个' (I will seize this) instead of '我会攘这个' is incorrect; 攘 should be used to convey the meaning of seizing or repelling actions.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 攘
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Etymology of 攘
Formation Typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声å—)~80-90% of characters
Explanation
Phonosemantic compound. 扌 represents the meaning and 襄 represents the sound.
攘 = 扌 + 襄. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 攘
IDS Structure⿰扌襄
攘Full Character
=
扌shou3
left
襄Xiang1
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part of 攘?
How to say to usurp, to seize; to repel in Chinese
“to usurp, to seize; to repel” in Chinese is攘rǎng
The character 攘 (rǎng) primarily means to usurp or seize something, often in a context of forceful taking or repelling. It can also imply the act of rejecting or resisting something, as well as the physical action of pushing up one's sleeves, suggesting readiness for action. This character is often used in formal contexts or literary works.
When to use 攘
Learners often confuse 攘 with similar characters like 让 (ràng), which means to yield or let someone else do something. 攘 is typically used in formal contexts, while casual speech may favor more straightforward terms. Pay attention to the tone; a mispronunciation can change the meaning entirely.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mix up 攘 with 让 (ràng), which leads to incorrect usage in sentences. For example, saying '我会让这个' (I will seize this) instead of '我会攘这个' is incorrect; 攘 should be used to convey the meaning of seizing or repelling actions.
Write 攘
攘
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Practice writing 攘 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 攘
攘 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 2
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
集市上熙熙____攘挤满了买卖东西的人。
The marketplace was jammed with a noisy crowd of buyers and sellers.
Example Sentences for 攘 (2)
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1
集市上熙熙攘攘挤满了买卖东西的人。
jí shì shàng xī xī rǎng rǎng jǐ mǎn le mǎi mài dōng xī de rén。
The marketplace was jammed with a noisy crowd of buyers and sellers.
