About
The character 拉 is a phono-semantic compound formed by the hand radical 扌, denoting manual action, and the component 立, which provides phonetic indication. Its original meaning centered on the physical action of pulling or dragging. From this core, its usage expanded to include senses such as to lead or guide, to involve or recruit, and to play certain instruments like the violin by drawing a bow. Later developments added more abstract applications, such as to chat or engage in gossip, illustrating a semantic extension from concrete physical manipulation to interpersonal activities.
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。