HSK 7, unknown, 14 strokes, radical 纟, rank #6865, Hard
suō(suo1) T1
1to withdraw
2to pull back
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March 24, 2026
缩(縮)suō(suo1)
The character 缩 (suō) primarily means to withdraw, pull back, or shrink. It is often used in contexts related to reducing size, such as shrinking clothing or decreasing volume, and can also refer to contractions in various subjects like language or finance. The nuance of the word can imply a deliberate action to make something smaller or less significant.
Strokes14Radical纟Frequency#6865DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of shrinking or pulling back can relate to ideas of modesty and restraint, often seen in traditional values where individuals are encouraged to be humble and not overly boastful.
Memory Tip
Imagine a rubber band (the radical '纟' related to textiles) that you pull back (the sound 'suō' sounds like 'squeeze'). When you let go, it shrinks back to its original form. Picture this rubber band being used to hold back a big pile of clothes, symbolizing how 缩 means to contract or reduce.
Meanings of 缩
suō(suo1)
1to withdraw
2to pull back
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 缩
缩Simplified
縮Traditional
14Strokes
纟Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#6865Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedBCT✓CEFRC2
Podcast: 缩
Podcast: 缩
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AI Study Notes for 缩
Quick Contrast
缩 (suō) vs 收 (shōu) — use 缩 when referring specifically to shrinking or reducing size, while 收 implies collecting or gathering.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a rubber band (the radical '纟' related to textiles) that you pull back (the sound 'suō' sounds like 'squeeze'). When you let go, it shrinks back to its original form. Picture this rubber band being used to hold back a big pile of clothes, symbolizing how 缩 means to contract or reduce.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 缩 with words like 减 (jiǎn), which means to decrease without implying a physical contraction. This term is more informal and is often used in conversational settings, while in formal writing, you might encounter its more technical uses. Be careful with the pronunciation, as it has two tones: the first (suō) and the second (sù) can change its meaning.
HSK Study Tips
Though not specifically classified under an HSK level, 缩 can be connected to other HSK vocabulary that involves actions and changes, such as 减少 (jiǎnshǎo, to reduce) and 增加 (zēngjiā, to increase). Students should focus on its usage in both everyday conversation and technical contexts.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of shrinking or pulling back can relate to ideas of modesty and restraint, often seen in traditional values where individuals are encouraged to be humble and not overly boastful.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 缩 with the similar-sounding 瘦 (shòu, to lose weight), which relates to becoming thinner rather than the action of contracting. For example, saying '我想瘦我的衣服' (Wǒ xiǎng shòu wǒ de yīfu) is incorrect; it should be '我想缩我的衣服' (Wǒ xiǎng suō wǒ de yīfu).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 缩
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Grammar Patterns of 缩
缩 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 8 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.
The manufacturing economy contracted in October for the sixth consecutive month.
8
这些已经用伸缩杆挂好。
zhè xiē yǐ jīng yòng shēn suō gān guà hǎo。
These were hung in place with extendable rods.
9
他们中一些人手持枪尖上挂着皱缩人头的长矛。
tā mén zhōng yī xiē rén shǒu chí qiāng jiān shàng guà zháo zhòu suō rén tóu de cháng máo。
Some of them carried pikes with shrivelled heads on top.
10
那三本书的内容全都压缩进一本书了。
nà sān běn shū de nèi róng quán dū yā suō jìn yī běn shū le。
All those three books are compacted and compressed into one book.
Cultural Notes for 缩
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of shrinking or pulling back can relate to ideas of modesty and restraint, often seen in traditional values where individuals are encouraged to be humble and not overly boastful.
Word Family of 缩
Words Containing This Character20
缩小suōxiǎoto reduce縮小
缩suōto withdraw縮
收缩shōusuōto pull back收縮
缩短suōduǎnto curtail縮短
退缩tuìsuōto cower退縮
萎缩wěisuōto wither萎縮
压缩yāsuōto compress壓縮
浓缩nóngsuōconcentration濃縮
缩写abbreviation縮寫
缩减to cut縮減
缩水suōshuǐto shrink (in the wash)縮水
紧缩jǐnsuōto curtail緊縮
蜷缩to curl up蜷縮
缩影suōyǐngmicrocosm縮影
压缩机compactor壓縮機
畏缩wèisuōto cower畏縮
伸缩shēnsuōflexible伸縮
浓缩铀enriched uranium濃縮鈾
通货紧缩deflation通貨緊縮
缩手缩脚bound hand and foot (idiom); constrained縮手縮腳
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 缩小 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 缩
Some synonyms for 缩 (suō) include 减少 (jiǎnshǎo), which means to reduce, and 收缩 (shōusuō), which means to contract. These words can often be used interchangeably depending on the context.
Yes, 缩 (suō) is commonly used in everyday conversation, especially when talking about physical objects and sizes. It is also relevant in contexts like discussions about budgets or resources.
缩 (suō) means to withdraw, pull back, contract, shrink, or reduce. It can also refer to an abbreviation in certain contexts. This character is commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese.
You can use 缩 (suō) in a sentence like '这件衣服缩水了' (Zhè jiàn yīfú shuǐzhǎo le), which means 'This piece of clothing has shrunk.' It is often used to describe physical contraction or reduction in size.
No, 缩 can also refer to abstract concepts such as time or effort being reduced, as in '缩短时间' (suōduǎn shíjiān, to shorten time).
It is pronounced 'suō' in the first tone, but can also be pronounced 'sù' in specific contexts, so be mindful of the tone.
Yes, but in formal contexts, it often appears in technical discussions, such as in finance or scientific writing.
