Chinese Character: 搁
1. Character Basics
Radical: 扌 (shǒu, hand, indicates actions done with the hand)
Stroke Count: 12
Structure: The character consists of "扌" (hand) on the left and "阁" (gé, pavilion) on the right, representing the action of placing or putting something somewhere.
Stroke Order:
2. Pronunciation
Pinyin: Gē (First tone) or Gé (Second tone, depending on usage)
3. Meaning
Core Meaning: To put; to place; to set aside; to delay
The character "搁" primarily means to put or place something somewhere. It can also mean to set aside or delay something for later consideration or action.
4. Common Words
- 搁置 (gēzhì) - to put aside; to shelve; to set aside
Example: 这个问题暂时搁置。(Zhège wèntí zànshí gēzhì.) - This issue is temporarily set aside.
- 搁浅 (gēqiǎn) - to run aground; to be stuck
Example: 船搁浅了。(Chuán gēqiǎnle.) - The ship ran aground.
- 搁下 (gēxià) - to put down; to lay aside
Example: 请把书搁下。(Qǐng bǎ shū gēxià.) - Please put down the book.
- 耽搁 (dāngē) - to delay; to hold up
Example: 别耽搁时间了。(Bié dāngē shíjiānle.) - Don't waste time.
- 搁置争议 (gēzhì zhēngyì) - to shelve disputes
Example: 我们可以先搁置争议，共同合作。(Wǒmen kěyǐ xiān gēzhì zhēngyì, gòngtóng hézuò.) - We can first shelve disputes and cooperate together.
5. Grammar & Usage
Part of Speech: Verb
Usage Patterns:
- Can be used transitively with an object to indicate what is being placed
- Often used in the structure "搁+地方+东西" (put+place+thing)
- Can be combined with other characters to form compound verbs
- Has both literal and figurative meanings
Common Collocations:
- 搁桌子上 (gē zhuōzi shàng) - put on the table
- 搁一边 (gē yībiān) - put aside
- 搁不下 (gē bùxià) - can't fit
- 搁得住 (gē de zhù) - can hold; can stand up to
6. Cultural Background
The character "搁" reflects practical aspects of daily life and decision-making in Chinese culture.
Practical Usage: In everyday Chinese, "搁" is commonly used to describe actions of placing objects, showing the language's focus on concrete, practical activities.
Conflict Resolution: The phrase "搁置争议" (gēzhì zhēngyì) - to shelve disputes - reflects a cultural approach to conflict resolution, emphasizing temporary compromise to maintain harmony.
Time Management: Expressions using "搁" often relate to time management, showing the importance of scheduling and prioritization in Chinese culture.
7. Example Sentence
Example 1:
把茶杯搁在茶几上。
Bǎ chábēi gē zài chájī shàng.
Put the teacup on the tea table.
Example 2:
这个计划被搁置了一年。
Zhège jìhuà bèi gēzhìle yī nián.
This plan has been shelved for a year.
Example 3:
我们的船在浅滩搁浅了。
Wǒmen de chuán zài qiǎntān gēqiǎnle.
Our boat ran aground on the shoal.
8. Memory Tips
1. Component Analysis: The character "搁" consists of "扌" (shǒu, hand) and "阁" (gé, pavilion). Remember that characters with the "扌" radical are often related to actions done with the hand.
2. Visual Association: Imagine placing something (扌) in a pavilion (阁), which helps remember the meaning "to put" or "to place".
3. Word Family: Learn "搁" together with its most common compound words:
- 搁置 (gēzhì) - to put aside
- 搁浅 (gēqiǎn) - to run aground
- 搁下 (gēxià) - to put down
4. Memory Phrase: "手放阁，搁置物" (Shǒu fàng gé, gēzhì wù) - "Hand places in pavilion, meaning to put things."