牽 (qiān) - To pull, to lead, to involve, to drag & also used in words for leading animals, guiding,

牽Tone 1

qiān ｜ 11 strokes ｜ radical:

器情

牽 · qiān

To pull, to lead, to involve, to drag along;

also used in words for leading animals, guiding, or implicating.

To pull, to lead, to involve, to dragalso used in words for leading animals, guiding,

Usage highlights

Lead by the handWorry aboutInvolve/implicateHold back/restrainLead an oxCause trouble

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • 推— to push
  • 放— to release

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He leads the horse by the reins (牽馬).
  • This issue involves many people (牽涉很多人).
  • She is concerned about her family (牽掛家人).
  • The project is held back by budget constraints (被預算牽制).

Collocations

  • Lead by the hand(牽手)
  • Worry about(牽掛)
  • Involve/implicate(牽涉)
  • Hold back/restrain(牽制)
  • Lead an ox(牽牛)
  • Cause trouble(牽連)

Idioms

  • Be implicated in a crime(牽連入罪)
  • Be tied down by personal concerns(牽腸掛肚)
  • Lead a cow to the water but cannot make it drink(牽牛下水，六腳齊濕)
  • Forced to do something against one's will(牽強附會)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • The character depicts an ox being pulled with a rope through its nose, reflecting ancient animal husbandry practices.
  • In traditional culture, '牽' often symbolizes connection, influence, and sometimes undesirable entanglement.
  • The idiom '牽腸掛肚' vividly expresses deep worry and concern for loved ones.

FAQ