About
揪 is a phono-semantic compound. The semantic radical 扌 (a variant of the hand radical 手) on the left indicates a hand action. The element 秋 (autumn) on the right functions solely as the phonetic component. Its core meaning is to grab, pull, or tug forcefully, implying a sudden or firm motion. Beyond this literal use, the character is also commonly used in colloquial expressions to describe a sensation of anxiety, as if one's heart is being tightly gripped, showing a metaphorical shift from a physical action to an emotional state.
Example Sentences Hide
他揪住了我的衣服。
妈妈揪着我的耳朵。
别揪我的头发！
小狗揪着玩具不放。
警察揪出了那个坏人。
她揪心地看着比赛。
这个问题一直揪着他的心。
调查组揪出了事件的根源。