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March 24, 2026
掐qiā(qia1)
The character 掐 (qiā) primarily means to pinch or to clutch something tightly, often with the fingers. It can also refer to the act of picking flowers or other plants. In slang, it is used to describe fighting or grappling, often implying a physical confrontation.
Strokes11Radical扌Frequency#4891DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, picking flowers is often associated with festivals and celebrations, making 掐 a term that resonates with cultural practices surrounding nature and beauty.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person pinching a flower with their fingers (the radical 扌 relates to actions involving the hand). Visualize them saying 'qiā' as they pick the flower, creating a vivid image of this action that connects the sound with the meaning.
Meanings of 掐
qiā(qia1)
1to pick (flowers)
2to pinch
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 掐
掐Simplified
11Strokes
扌Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#4891Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 掐
Podcast: 掐
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AI Study Notes for 掐
Quick Contrast
掐 (qiā) vs 抓 (zhuā) — use 掐 when emphasizing pinching or clutching tightly, while 抓 refers more broadly to grabbing or seizing.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a person pinching a flower with their fingers (the radical 扌 relates to actions involving the hand). Visualize them saying 'qiā' as they pick the flower, creating a vivid image of this action that connects the sound with the meaning.
Usage Notes
Be cautious not to confuse 掐 with similar verbs like 抓 (zhuā), which means to grab or seize. This word is more informal and is often used in casual contexts, especially when referring to a fight. The tone can shift based on context, so ensure to use it appropriately when discussing physical actions.
HSK Study Tips
At HSK Level 6, students should focus on the nuances of the verb's usage in both literal and slang contexts. Understanding how 掐 relates to other physical actions can enhance comprehension of related vocabulary, such as 抓 (zhuā) and 握 (wò).
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, picking flowers is often associated with festivals and celebrations, making 掐 a term that resonates with cultural practices surrounding nature and beauty.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 掐 with 抓 (zhuā). For example, saying '我掐了一只鸟' (wǒ qiā le yī zhī niǎo) to mean 'I grabbed a bird' is incorrect; the correct verb would be 抓 (zhuā).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 掐
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Grammar Patterns of 掐
掐 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 7 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
虽然我想____死你，但我还是爱你的。
I still love you even though I'd like to wring your neck.
That dumb bunch would like to cut off the hoses fire protection and milk.
4
这位母亲将她的孩子掐得青一块紫一块的.
zhè wèi mǔ qīn jiāng tā de hái zǐ qiā dé qīng yī kuài zǐ yī kuài de.
The mother pinched her baby black and blue.
5
花匠正在掐掉嫩枝.
huā jiàng zhèng zài qiā diào nèn zhī.
The gardener is pinching off the young shoots.
Cultural Notes for 掐
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese culture, picking flowers is often associated with festivals and celebrations, making 掐 a term that resonates with cultural practices surrounding nature and beauty.
Word Family of 掐
Words Containing This Character3
掐qiāto pinch
掐断cut off掐斷
掐算to count with one's fingers
Exercise 1 of 3
Compound Meaning
What does 掐 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 掐
Generally, 掐 is used in physical contexts, but it can metaphorically describe situations where someone 'chokes' off an idea or argument.
No, 掐 is more informal and is typically used in casual conversations or slang.
You might hear phrases like 掐花 (qiā huā), meaning 'to pick flowers', or 掐架 (qiā jià), meaning 'to fight'.
