Definition
拉手 is a separable verb (离合词) meaning 'to hold hands' or 'to shake hands'. The verb 拉 and the noun 手 can split when you add a duration, a measure word, or a complement between them — for example, 拉着她的手 ('holding her hand') or 拉了一次手 ('shook hands once'). It's used for the physical action of two people clasping each other's hands, either as a gesture of friendship or affection. Note that 拉手 (lā shou) with neutral tone on 手 is the verb; the same characters pronounced lāshǒu (with third tone) mean 'a handle' (as on a door or drawer).
v.o.
to hold handsto shake hands
Examples
- 拉手。Tāmen liǎ lā shou zǒu zài dàjiē shàng.The two of them walked down the street holding hands.
- ，。Tā lā zhe wǒ de shǒu, yìzhí méi fàngkāi.She held my hand and never let go.
- 。Wǒmen jiànmiàn shí lā le yíxià shǒu.We shook hands when we met.
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