1. Character Basics
2. Pronunciation
3. Meaning
- To carry on the shoulder or back
- To hang on the arm or elbow
- To hold or carry something with the arm
4. Common Words
5. Grammar & Usage
The character "挎" is primarily used as a verb describing the action of carrying something by hanging it on the shoulder, arm, or back. It is often used with objects that are carried in this manner, such as bags, baskets, or other items.
她肩上挎着一个红色的包。(Tā jiānshang kuàzhe yī gè hóngsè de bāo.) - She has a red bag slung over her shoulder.
农民们挎着篮子去市场。(Nóngmínmen kuàzhe lánzi qù shìchǎng.) - Farmers carry baskets to the market.
这对老夫妻手挽手、胳膊挎着胳膊散步。(Zhè duì lǎo fūqī shǒu wǎn shǒu, gēbo kuàzhe gēbo sànbù.) - This elderly couple walks arm in arm, linking arms with each other.
他骑着带挎斗的摩托车。(Tā qízhe dài kuàdǒu de mótuōchē.) - He rides a motorcycle with a sidecar.
6. Cultural Background
The character "挎" is formed by combining "扌" (shǒu, hand) and "夸" (kuā, to praise). It describes the action of carrying something with the hand or arm, particularly over the shoulder. In traditional Chinese culture, carrying items in this manner was common in daily life, especially in rural areas where people would carry baskets or other containers for farming, shopping, or transportation.
The evolution of bags and carrying methods in China can be seen through the character's usage. From traditional woven baskets carried on the shoulder to modern designer handbags and backpacks, the concept of "挎" remains relevant in contemporary Chinese society.
7. Example Sentence
她挎着相机去公园拍照。
She carried her camera to the park to take photos.
8. Memory Tips
To remember the character "挎", look at its structure: it consists of "扌" (shǒu, hand) and "夸" (kuā, to praise). You can imagine using your hand (扌) to carry something that you might "夸" (praise) or be proud of, like a special bag or item. The pronunciation "kuà" is similar to "跨" (kuà, to straddle) and "胯" (kuà, hip).
Another way to remember it is to associate it with the common phrase "挎包" (kuàbāo, shoulder bag) and visualize someone carrying a bag over their shoulder.