verb HSK 2
to pull · to drag · to play (string instrument) · to transport
Meaning
拉 is a common action verb meaning to pull or drag something toward oneself or in a particular direction. It contrasts with 推 (tuī, to push). The character also extends to mean playing stringed instruments by drawing a bow, and colloquially refers to transporting goods or people.
Usage
Native speakers use 拉 in everyday contexts like pulling doors, dragging objects, or playing instruments like the violin (拉小提琴). It appears in many compound verbs and colloquial expressions. The tone can shift to neutral tone in rapid speech when used as a complement.
Examples
- 01请拉一下门。.Please pull the door.
- 02她每天都拉小提琴。.She plays the violin every day.
Common collocations
- 拉小提琴to play the violin
- 拉二胡to play the erhu
- 拉手to hold hands
- 拉开to pull open, to separate
Antonyms
Origin
The character 拉 combines the hand radical 扌(手) on the left with 立 (lì, to stand), suggesting the action of using one's hand to pull something or someone to a standing or different position.