verb HSK 4
Traditional 牽
to lead (by hand) · to pull · to hold hands · to involve
Meaning
牵 is a verb meaning to lead or pull something gently, especially by holding hands or holding onto something. It often conveys a sense of guiding or being connected to something or someone, and can extend metaphorically to being involved in or implicated in a situation.
Usage
Commonly used when talking about holding hands (牵手), walking a dog (牵狗), or being involved in affairs (牵涉). The verb carries a gentle, guiding connotation rather than forceful pulling. Very frequently appears in compound words and set phrases.
Examples
- 01妈妈牵着孩子的手过马路。.The mother held the child's hand while crossing the street.
- 02这件事牵涉到很多人。.This matter involves many people.
Common collocations
- 牵手to hold hands
- 牵挂to worry about, to be concerned about
- 牵涉to involve, to implicate
- 牵连to implicate, to involve (negatively)
Antonyms
Origin
The traditional form 牽 shows the radical 牛 (ox) on the left, depicting the image of leading or pulling an ox by a rope, which is the original meaning of the character.