About
The character 拉 is a phono-semantic compound. Its semantic radical 扌 (hand) indicates an action performed by hand, while the phonetic component 立 (to stand) suggests the pronunciation. This structure aligns with its core meaning: to pull, drag, or draw something toward oneself. Over time, the meaning expanded. It now commonly refers to playing bowed string instruments, like the violin or erhu. Colloquially, it can also mean to transport goods, to recruit people, or to chat casually.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
我拉弟弟的手。
请拉开窗帘。
妈妈在拉面。
他拉小提琴。
这个拉链很难拉。
我们拉他参加比赛。
公司正在拉投资。
他拉拢了一些支持者。