拔 (bá) - To pull out, extract, uproot & to select, promote

拔Tone 2

bá ｜ 8 strokes ｜ radical: 扌

傲不

拔 · bá

To pull out, extract, uproot;

to select, promote;

to surpass, excel;

to capture.

To pull out, extract, uprootto select, promoteto surpass, excel

Usage highlights

Pull out weedsExtract teethSelect and promoteUprootCapture a strongholdSurpass others

Synonyms

  • 抽— to draw out, extract
  • 提— to lift, promote
  • 选— to select, choose

Antonyms

  • 插— to insert, stick in
  • 种— to plant, sow
  • 埋— to bury, cover

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He pulled out the weeds (拔草).
  • She was promoted for outstanding performance (提拔).
  • The athlete broke the record (拔得头筹).
  • We need to extract the tooth (拔牙).

Collocations

  • Pull out weeds(拔草)
  • Extract teeth(拔牙)
  • Select and promote(提拔)
  • Uproot(拔除)
  • Capture a stronghold(拔寨)
  • Surpass others(拔尖)

Idioms

  • Select the best from the good(拔萃出群)
  • Uproot and pull out hair(拔毛连茹)
  • Unable to pull out one's legs(不能自拔)
  • Pull up seedlings to help them grow(拔苗助长)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In military context, '拔' means to capture enemy positions, reflecting strategic achievement.
  • In imperial examinations, '拔' referred to selecting outstanding candidates for promotion.
  • The character embodies the concept of upward mobility and surpassing ordinary limits.

FAQ