掣

chè
制 + 手

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 a phono-semantic compound with the hand radical 手 at the bottom, indicating a physical action or manual effort. The upper component 制 serves as the phonetic element while also contributing meanings of control or regulation. It primarily means to pull, draw, or tug quickly, and extends to mean hindering or holding someone back. This dual sense of physical pulling and metaphorical restraint is reflected in its common compounds, which describe sudden pulling motions, the drawing of lots, or situations where progress is impeded by external forces.

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