Usage of 招 (zhāo)
招 is a versatile character commonly used as a verb meaning "to beckon" or "to summon." For example, 招手 means to wave or beckon with the hand. It also appears in contexts related to recruitment or inviting, such as 招收 (to recruit).
Besides its literal meaning, 招 is frequently used to refer to a "move" or "trick," especially in martial arts or problem-solving contexts, where it means a method or technique (e.g., 一招, "one move").
Common collocations
Notes
招 is often used in informal and formal contexts. When used to mean "to beckon," it usually involves a physical gesture. When referring to recruitment, it is more formal and common in business or organizational settings. The "move/trick" sense is common in conversational and written Chinese, especially in sports or strategy discussions.
Avoid confusing 招 with similar verbs like 叫 (to call) or 请 (to invite), as 招 often implies a physical gesture or a formal recruitment/invitation process.