掣

chè
制 + 手
Frequency#3596

Definitions

chè to pull; to draw; to pull back; to withdraw; to flash past

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. 手 represents the meaning and 制 represents the sound.

Semantic: 手 Phonetic: 制

About

The character "掣" is composed of the phonetic component "制" placed above the semantic radical "手", directly linking its form to hand-based actions. Etymologically, it originated with the sense of pulling or dragging, as reflected in classical texts where it described physical restraint. Its meaning later extended to encompass figurative hindrance or obstruction, evident in compounds such as "掣肘", which literally means to pull the elbow and metaphorically refers to impeding someone's efforts. The character's structure has not undergone alteration, and its core conception of controlled force exerted by the hand remains central to its usage.

Example Sentences Hide

他的计划被掣肘。

Tā de jìhuà bèi chèzhǒu.

His plan was impeded.

公司发展受到掣肘。

Gōngsī fāzhǎn shòudào chèzhǒu.

The company's development is hindered.

政治因素掣肘了经济改革。

Zhèngzhì yīnsù chèzhǒu le jīngjì gǎigé.

Political factors hindered the economic reform.

在项目中，他经常掣肘同事的工作。

Zài xiàngmù zhōng, tā jīngcháng chèzhǒu tóngshì de gōngzuò.

In the project, he often impedes his colleagues' work.

缺乏资金严重掣肘了我们的研究进度。

Quēfá zījīn yánzhòng chèzhǒu le wǒmen de yánjiū jìndù.

Lack of funds seriously hindered our research progress.

国际关系的紧张掣肘了双边贸易的扩展。

Guójì guānxì de jǐnzhāng chèzhǒu le shuāngbiān màoyì de kuòzhǎn.

Tensions in international relations hindered the expansion of bilateral trade.

为了避免被掣肘，他决定独立完成这项任务。

Wèile bìmiǎn bèi chèzhǒu, tā juédìng dúlì wánchéng zhè xiàng rènwù.

To avoid being impeded, he decided to complete this task independently.

尽管面临诸多掣肘，他们依然坚持不懈地推进计划。

Jǐnguǎn miànlín zhūduō chèzhǒu, tāmen yīrán jiānchí bùxiè de tuījìn jìhuà.

Despite facing many hindrances, they still persevere in advancing the plan.

Related Characters

Component: 制

製 淛 猘

Component: 手

手 拿 掌 摩 拳 攀 摹 挚 擎 挛 掰 挈 挲 搿

Example Words

掣肘