插 (chā) - To insert & to stick in

插Tone 1

chā ｜ 12 strokes ｜ radical:

偲嫦

插 · chā

To insert;

to stick in;

to thrust;

to interpose;

to plant (as in seedlings);

to take part in.

To insertto stick into thrust

Usage highlights

InsertPlug inInterruptTransplant seedlingsFlower arrangementPower socket

Synonyms

  • 插入— to insert; to thrust into
  • 穿插— to weave in and out; to alternate

Antonyms

  • 拔— to pull out; to extract
  • 抽— to draw out; to extract

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • Please insert the key into the lock (把钥匙插进锁里).
  • She plugged the charger into the socket (把充电器插到插座上).
  • The farmer is transplanting rice seedlings (插秧).
  • He interrupted the conversation (插话).

Collocations

  • Insert(插入)
  • Plug in(插上)
  • Interrupt(插嘴)
  • Transplant seedlings(插秧)
  • Flower arrangement(插花)
  • Power socket(插座)

Idioms

  • To butt in when others are talking(插嘴插舌)
  • To insert a foot where there's no room(插脚不入)
  • To force oneself into a conversation(插科打诨)
  • To wedge oneself in(见缝插针)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • 插秧 (transplanting rice seedlings) is a fundamental agricultural practice in rice-growing cultures, symbolizing hard work and the cycle of life.
  • 插花 (flower arrangement) is a refined art form with deep cultural significance in East Asian traditions, particularly in Japanese ikebana.
  • The character appears in many technical terms related to modern electronics and computing, showing its adaptation to contemporary life.

FAQ