Meaning and Usage
The character 挽 (wǎn) primarily means "to pull" or "to draw" something towards oneself. It is often used in physical contexts, such as pulling a rope or leading a horse. Beyond the literal sense, 挽 also appears in more figurative or formal contexts, such as 挽救 (wǎnjiù), meaning "to save" or "to rescue," and 挽联 (wǎnlián), which are funeral couplets expressing mourning.
Common Collocations
- 挽住 (wǎn zhù): to pull and hold onto something
- 挽救 (wǎnjiù): to save or rescue a situation or person
- 挽联 (wǎnlián): funeral couplets used to express condolences
Usage Notes
When used literally, 挽 implies a physical action of pulling or drawing. In more formal or literary contexts, it can express efforts to save or rescue, often emotionally charged or serious situations. The word 挽联 is a fixed phrase related to funerals and mourning, so it is important to recognize this cultural usage.
Common Confusions
挽 can be confused with 拉 (lā), which also means "to pull," but 挽 often implies pulling something towards oneself or with a sense of effort or care, while 拉 is more general. Also, 挽 is less common in everyday speech and more frequent in written or formal contexts.