Definition
拖住 is a resultative verb formed from 拖 (drag/pull) and 住 (hold/stop). It means either to physically drag something to keep it from moving, or to figuratively detain or hinder someone. The resultative structure allows inserting 得/不 for potential complements: 拖得住 'can hold back', 拖不住 'cannot hold back'. Use this word when you want to emphasize holding something or someone in place through sustained effort.
r.v.
to hold in place by dragging or pulling (physically)to detainto hinderto delay (figuratively)
Examples
- 拖住，。Tā yònglì tuō zhù shéngzi, bú ràng chuán dòng.He pulled the rope hard to keep the boat from moving.
- 拖住。Huìyì tuō zhù le wǒ yí gè xiǎoshí.The meeting held me up for an hour.
- ，拖住。Bié ràng tā zǒu, kuài tuō zhù tā.Don't let him leave, quickly detain him.
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