薅 (hāo) - To pull out (weeds) & to remove by pulling

薅Tone 1

hāo ｜ 16 strokes ｜ radical:

枫惠

薅 · hāo

To pull out (weeds);

to remove by pulling;

to pluck;

to extort or take advantage of.

To pull out (weeds)to remove by pullingto pluck

Usage highlights

Pull weedsHarvest ricePluck hairTake advantageWeeding hoeWeeding work

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • 种— plant
  • 植— grow plants

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • We need to pull weeds (薅草) in the garden.
  • The farmer is harvesting rice (薅稻).
  • He plucked some hairs (薅头发) in frustration.
  • Don't try to take advantage of others (别薅羊毛).

Collocations

  • Pull weeds(薅草)
  • Harvest rice(薅稻)
  • Pluck hair(薅头发)
  • Take advantage(薅羊毛)
  • Weeding hoe(薅锄)
  • Weeding work(薅耨)

Idioms

  • Pull up seedlings to help them grow (拔苗助长) - similar concept of improper pulling
  • Take advantage of every opportunity (雁过拔毛) - similar to 薅羊毛

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originally an agricultural term for manual weeding in rice paddies and fields.
  • In modern internet slang, 薅羊毛 means to take advantage of discounts or freebies, derived from the literal meaning of plucking wool from sheep.
  • Reflects traditional agricultural practices in Chinese civilization where manual weeding was essential for crop success.

FAQ