磕 (kē) - To knock & to bump

磕Tone 1

kē ｜ 15 strokes ｜ radical:

俊梁

磕 · kē

To knock;

to bump;

to collide;

to hit against;

also describes a kowtow gesture or the sound of collision.

To knockto bumpto collide

Usage highlights

KowtowBump and knockStumble alongKnock againstClink glassesSound of collision

Synonyms

  • 碰— to touch; to bump
  • 撞— to collide; to crash
  • 叩— to knock; to kowtow

Antonyms

  • 抚— to stroke; to caress (gentle touch vs. impact)
  • 避— to avoid; to dodge (evasion vs. collision)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He knocked his head on the doorframe (磕头).
  • The bowls clinked together (磕碰).
  • She kowtowed in respect (磕头).
  • The car bumped over the rough road (磕磕绊绊).

Collocations

  • Kowtow(磕头)
  • Bump and knock(磕碰)
  • Stumble along(磕磕绊绊)
  • Knock against(磕撞)
  • Clink glasses(磕杯)
  • Sound of collision(磕磕声)

Idioms

  • Stumbling and halting(磕磕绊绊)
  • Bumping into things everywhere(东磕西撞)
  • Kowtow and worship(磕头礼拜)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • The character 石 (stone) suggests hardness and impact, while 盍 conveys sound.
  • Kowtowing (磕头) was a traditional act of deep respect or worship in Chinese culture.
  • Used metaphorically for difficulties or obstacles in life (磕磕绊绊).

FAQ