縮 (suō) - To shrink, contract, reduce, draw back & to withdraw, retreat

縮Tone 1

suō ｜ 17 strokes ｜ radical:

树檀

縮 · suō

To shrink, contract, reduce, draw back;

to withdraw, retreat;

to economize, save.

To shrink, contract, reduce, draw backto withdraw, retreatto economize, save.

Usage highlights

ShrinkContractWithdrawReduceShrinkageCompress

Synonyms

  • 收— to gather in, collect
  • 减— to decrease, reduce
  • 退— to retreat, withdraw

Antonyms

  • 伸— to stretch, extend
  • 扩— to expand, enlarge
  • 涨— to swell, rise

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The sweater shrank after washing (毛衣缩水).
  • He withdrew his hand quickly (他缩回了手).
  • We need to reduce expenses (我们需要缩减开支).
  • The company is downsizing (公司正在缩编).

Collocations

  • Shrink(缩小)
  • Contract(收缩)
  • Withdraw(退缩)
  • Reduce(缩减)
  • Shrinkage(缩水)
  • Compress(压缩)

Idioms

  • To draw back in fear(畏缩不前)
  • To economize on food and expenses(节衣缩食)
  • To shrink from difficulties(缩手缩脚)
  • To curl up with cold(缩成一团)
  • To withdraw into one's shell(缩头缩脑)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Chinese culture, 'shrinking back' (缩) is often associated with caution, prudence, or sometimes timidity.
  • The character appears in idioms about economic frugality, reflecting traditional values of thrift.
  • In martial contexts, strategic withdrawal (缩) is sometimes valued over reckless advancement.

FAQ