牵 (qiān) - to pull & to lead along

牵Tone 1

qiān ｜ 9 strokes ｜ radical:

器情

牵 · qiān

to pull;

to lead along;

to involve;

to drag in;

to concern;

to worry about

to pullto lead alongto involve

Usage highlights

to lead by the handto be concerned aboutto involve/drag into pull an oxto restrain/hold backto lead along

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • 推— to push
  • 放— to release

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He leads the dog for a walk (牵狗散步).
  • This matter involves many people (这件事牵涉很多人).
  • She is concerned about her family's safety (她牵挂家人的安全).
  • The project is held back by funding issues (项目被资金问题牵制).

Collocations

  • to lead by the hand(牵手)
  • to be concerned about(牵挂)
  • to involve/drag in(牵涉)
  • to pull an ox(牵牛)
  • to restrain/hold back(牵制)
  • to lead along(牵领)

Idioms

  • Having too many worries to attend to one thing(牵肠挂肚)
  • Forced to join in reluctantly(牵强附会)
  • To lead the head and the rest follows(牵一发而动全身)
  • To be tied down by family(牵丝攀藤)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originally depicted leading an ox with a rope through its nose, representing control and guidance.
  • In relationships, '牵手' (holding hands) symbolizes union and mutual support.
  • Used metaphorically for emotional attachment and concern in phrases like '牵挂'.

FAQ