About
The character 掐 is a phono-semantic compound describing a specific action of the fingers. Its structure combines the semantic hand radical 扌 (shǒu) on the left, indicating a manual action, with the phonetic component 臽 (xiàn) on the right, which provides its pronunciation. Etymologically, its core meaning is to pinch, nip, or clutch something forcefully between the thumb and fingers, often using the nails to sever small items like plant stems. The term also extends to grabbing someone by the throat or cutting off a flow.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
别掐我的胳膊。
她轻轻地掐了掐花瓣。
他掐指一算，就知道结果。
不要掐断那根电线。
小孩掐掉了植物的嫩芽。
在争吵中，他差点掐住对方的脖子。
根据预算，我们必须掐掉不必要的开支。
她善于掐准时机，做出正确决策。