卸 (xiè) - To unload & to remove

卸Tone 4

xiè ｜ 9 strokes ｜ radical:

想信

卸 · xiè

To unload;

to remove;

to lay down;

to relieve oneself of a burden or duty.

To unloadto removeto lay down

Usage highlights

Unload cargoRemove makeupResign from a postRemove stage makeup/costumeUnload a burdenDischarge a responsibility

Synonyms

  • 卸下— To take down; to unload
  • 解除— To remove; to relieve
  • 放下— To put down; to lay aside

Antonyms

  • 装— To load; to install
  • 承担— To undertake; to bear (responsibility)
  • 上任— To take up a post

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The workers unloaded the cargo from the truck (卸货).
  • She removed her makeup before going to bed (卸妆).
  • The soldier was relieved of his duty (卸任).
  • The actor removed his stage costume (卸装).

Collocations

  • Unload cargo(卸货)
  • Remove makeup(卸妆)
  • Resign from a post(卸任)
  • Remove stage makeup/costume(卸装)
  • Unload a burden(卸下负担)
  • Discharge a responsibility(卸责)

Idioms

  • To lay down arms and return to civilian life(解甲归田)
  • To shift the blame onto someone else(推卸责任)
  • To throw off a heavy burden(如释重负)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • The character's structure combines 'stopping' (止) and 'axe' (斤), suggesting the action of stopping work and putting down tools.
  • Used metaphorically in official contexts for resigning from positions of responsibility.
  • In modern usage, frequently appears in contexts of physical unloading and personal grooming (e.g., makeup removal).

FAQ