Learn a Chinese Character - 拉

1. Character Basics

Radical: 扌 (shǒu, hand radical)

Stroke Count: 8

Stroke Order:

2. Pronunciation

Pinyin: lā (First tone)

3. Meaning

To pull; to draw; to drag; to stretch; to play (a stringed instrument); to chat; to pull along

4. Common Words

• 拉手 (lāshǒu) - Handle; to hold hands
• 拉车 (lāchē) - To pull a cart
• 拉琴 (lāqín) - To play a stringed instrument
• 拉链 (lāliàn) - Zipper
• 拖拉 (tuōlā) - To delay; to drag
• 拉伸 (lāshēn) - To stretch
• 拉面 (lāmiàn) - Hand-pulled noodles
• 拉家常 (lājiācháng) - To chat about everyday matters

5. Grammar & Usage

"拉" is a versatile verb that can be used in various contexts. It often takes objects directly and can be combined with other characters to form compound verbs or nouns.

Pattern 1: 拉 + [Noun] - To pull/drag [Noun] (e.g., 拉手, 拉车)

Pattern 2: [Adverb] + 拉 - [Adverb] + to pull (e.g., 用力拉, 慢慢拉)

6. Cultural Background

In Chinese culture, "拉" is used in many idiomatic expressions and daily activities. For example, hand-pulled noodles (拉面) are a famous traditional Chinese food. The action of pulling (拉) is also metaphorically used in social contexts, such as "拉关系" (lā guānxì) meaning to build connections.

7. Example Sentence

8. Memory Tips

The character "拉" consists of the radical "扌" (shǒu, hand) on the left and "立" (lì, stand) on the right. Imagine using your hand (扌) to pull someone who is standing (立) towards you.