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March 24, 2026
撤退chètuì(che4tui4)
撤退 (chètuì) means 'to retreat' or 'to withdraw,' commonly used in military contexts but also applicable in situations of personal withdrawal or pulling back from a position. It conveys a sense of backing away from conflict or danger, indicating a strategic decision to avoid confrontation.
Frequency#4041DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
The concept of retreating has historical significance in Chinese military strategy, particularly seen in texts like 'The Art of War' by Sun Tzu, where strategic withdrawal is often advocated as a means of preserving strength for future engagements.
Memory Tip
Imagine a soldier (represented by the character 军) retreating back to safety (the character 退). The left part (撤) suggests moving away from a place (like a door closing), while 退 visually resembles a person stepping backward. Together, they form a vivid image of stepping back to safety.
Meanings of 撤退
chètuì(che4tui4)
1to retreat
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 撤退
撤退Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#4041Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7TOCFLL5HSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 撤退
Podcast: 撤退
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AI Study Notes for 撤退
Quick Contrast
撤回 (chèhuí) - choose 撤退 when emphasizing a strategic withdrawal from a situation, while 撤回 focuses on retracting or taking back something previously stated or offered.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a soldier (represented by the character 军) retreating back to safety (the character 退). The left part (撤) suggests moving away from a place (like a door closing), while 退 visually resembles a person stepping backward. Together, they form a vivid image of stepping back to safety.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 撤退 with the word 退步 (tuìbù), which means 'to regress' or 'to fall back.' 撤退 can be used in both formal military contexts and informal situations, but it is generally more serious. Watch out for tone mistakes, as both characters are fourth tone.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 撤退 connects with other advanced vocabulary related to strategy and conflict, such as 战斗 (zhàndòu - battle) and 政策 (zhèngcè - policy). Focus on the contexts in which this term is used, particularly in discussing military tactics or negotiation.
Cultural Note
The concept of retreating has historical significance in Chinese military strategy, particularly seen in texts like 'The Art of War' by Sun Tzu, where strategic withdrawal is often advocated as a means of preserving strength for future engagements.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly use 撤退 in casual contexts where a more informal term like 退场 (tuìchǎng - to leave a scene) would be appropriate. Ensure you match the seriousness of the term with the context.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 撤退
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Grammar Patterns of 撤退
撤退 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. 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
损失数百人之后，他们的士兵被迫灰溜溜地____。
Their soldiers had to retreat ignominiously after losing hundreds of lives.
Example Sentences for 撤退 (5)
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1
损失数百人之后，他们的士兵被迫灰溜溜地撤退。
sǔn shī shù bǎi rén zhī hòu， ， tā mén de shì bīng bèi pò huī liū liū dì chè。
Their soldiers had to retreat ignominiously after losing hundreds of lives.
2
步兵团受到火力攻击时比利时人向后撤退。
bù bīng tuán shòu dào huǒ lì gōng jī shí bǐ lì shí rén xiàng hòu chè tuì。
The Belgians fell back as the infantry came under fire.
3
1942年6月,英国第八军全面撤退.
1942 19426 nián, 6 yuè , yīng guó dì bā jūn quán.
In June 1942, the British 8th Army was in full retreat.
4
士兵们用光了弹药,不得不撤退.
shì bīng mén yòng guāng le dàn yào, , bù dé bù chè.
The soldiers ran out of ammunition and had to withdraw.
Retreating soldiers were dousing homes and shops with petrol and setting them on fire.
Cultural Notes for 撤退
🏮Cultural insight
The concept of retreating has historical significance in Chinese military strategy, particularly seen in texts like 'The Art of War' by Sun Tzu, where strategic withdrawal is often advocated as a means of preserving strength for future engagements.
Frequently Asked Questions about 撤退
No, while it is commonly used in military discussions, it can also apply to personal situations where someone withdraws from a conflict or difficult scenario.
Some synonyms include 退出 (tuìchū - to exit) and 走开 (zǒukāi - to move away), but each has slightly different connotations.
Make sure to use the correct fourth tone for both characters: chè (falling tone) and tuì (falling tone).
