About
The character "挑" is structured with the hand radical (扌) on the left and the phonetic component "兆" on the right, signaling its relation to manual actions. Etymologically, it initially denoted the physical act of lifting or carrying, specifically with a shoulder pole, as seen in early usage like "挑担". From this concrete sense, the meaning broadened to include selecting or choosing, exemplified by "挑选", where the hand is involved in picking out objects. Further semantic development led to abstract meanings such as provoking or inciting, as in "挑战", likely deriving from the idea of poking or stirring something physically. These shifts illustrate how the character's applications expanded from tangible hand movements to encompass more figurative actions over time.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
妈妈挑选新鲜的水果。
他挑了一件蓝色的衬衫。
不要挑剔别人的缺点。
他挑战了新的工作。
她挑起了两人的争吵。
爷爷以前每天挑水灌溉。
有人挑拨他们之间的关系。
他故意挑逗那只小猫玩耍。