Definition
缩 (suō) is a versatile verb meaning 'to shrink or contract' (in size/volume) and 'to withdraw or pull back' (a body part). It differs from 收缩 (shōu suō), which is more formal and often used for systematic or physiological contraction (e.g., muscles, economy), and from 退缩 (tuì suō), which specifically means 'to shrink back in fear or hesitation'.
verb
to shrinkto contract (in size or volume)to withdrawto pull back (a body part or movement)
Easily confused
- 所suǒsound-alike(classifier) for houses, buildings, institutions
- 所suǒsound-alike(particle) used before verbs to form noun phrases (所 + verb + 的); also in 有所 and 为...所...
- 锁suǒsound-alike(noun) lock
Examples
- 缩。Zhè jiàn máoyī xǐ hòu huì suō.This sweater will shrink after washing.
- 。Tā gǎnjǐn suō huí le shǒu.He quickly withdrew his hand.
- 缩。Xiǎo māo lěng de suō chéng yì tuán.The kitten curled up from the cold.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.