Definition
搀 combines two distinct senses: physical support (take by the arm and assist) and mixing/diluting, often with a negative connotation of adulteration. In the mixing sense, it overlaps with 掺 (HSK7), but 搀 implies a subtle spoiling or watering-down effect, while 掺 is a neutral 'mix in'. 混合 (HSK6) is the broader, neutral term for any blending.
verb
to take by the arm and assist (e.g., an elderly or injured person)to mixblenddiluteor adulterate (one substance into another)
Easily confused
- 扬yánglook-aliketo raise, to lift up
- 缠chánsound-aliketo wind around, to coil, to wrap
- 抛pāolook-aliketo throw, to toss, to fling
- 产chǎnsound-aliketo produce, to manufacture, to yield
- 报bàolook-aliketo report, to announce
- 掺chānsound-aliketo mix (one substance into another), to blend in, to adulterate (by adding something)
- 拣jiǎnlook-aliketo pick, to choose (from a group, often with care or by sorting)
- 铲chǎnsound-alikespade; shovel (noun)
- 扣kòulook-alike(verb) to deduct (money), to withhold
- 馋chánsound-alike(adjective) gluttonous, greedy for food; fond of eating
Examples
- 搀。Tā chān zhe nǎinai mànmàn zǒu guò mǎlù.He took his grandmother by the arm and slowly helped her cross the street.
- 搀，。Zhè zhǒng guǒzhī li chān le tài duō shuǐ, wèidào hěn dàn.This juice has been diluted with too much water; the flavor is very weak.
- 搀。Shāngjiā wǎng niúnǎi li chān dōngxi shì wéifǎ de.It is illegal for businesses to adulterate milk with anything.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.