Definition
拉 (lā) is the common verb for 'to pull/draw' — any direction or force. Contrast with 拖 (tuō, to drag, tow, or delay) and 拽 (zhuài, to haul forcibly). 拉 also means 'to chat' casually, while 谈 (tán) is more formal, like a discussion. Additionally, 拉 is used specifically for playing bowed instruments (e.g., 拉小提琴).
verb
to pullto dragto drawto play (a bowed instrument)to chat
Easily confused
- 位wèilook-alike(classifier, polite) for people
- 啦lasound-alike(modal particle, sentence-final) used in casual speech to express exclamation, reminder, urgency, or a lighthearted mood
- 粒lìlook-alike(classifier) for small round things (pills, bullets, grains, pearls, etc.)
- 落làsound-aliketo leave out, to omit; to be missing
- 竖shùlook-alike(adjective) vertical, upright
- 辣làsound-alikespicy, hot (of food)
- 蜡làsound-alikecandle
Examples
- 拉。Qǐng lā yíxià mén.Please pull the door.
- 拉？Tā huì lā xiǎotíqín ma?Can she play the violin?
- 拉。Tāmen liǎng gè rén lā de hěn kāixīn.The two of them chatted happily.
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