Definition
掏 means to take or pull something out from a confined space like a pocket, bag, or container, often by reaching in and scooping. Unlike 挖 (wā 'dig into a surface') or 捞 (lāo 'fish out from liquid'), 掏 is for dry, enclosed spaces and involves a hand reaching inside. It's also distinct from 铲 (chǎn 'shovel'), which uses a tool to scoop solids.
verb
to take or pull out (from a pocket, bag, or container)to scoop out
Easily confused
- 淘táolook-aliketo wash or rinse (rice, grain) by agitating in water
- 套tàosound-alike(verb) to cover, to encase, to put on (a cover)
- 逃táosound-aliketo escape; to flee; to run away
- 讨tǎosound-aliketo demand, ask for (payment, explanation, etc.)
- 桃táosound-alikepeach
Examples
- 掏。Tā cóng shūbāo lǐ tāo chū jǐ běn shū.He took a few books out of his backpack.
- 掏。Tā yòng sháozi tāo tāng hē.She scoops out soup with a ladle and drinks it.
- 掏。Tā cóng kǒudài lǐ tāo chū yì zhāng jiù zhàopiàn.He pulled out an old photo from his pocket.
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