Usage of 拎
The verb 拎 (līn) specifically means to lift or carry something by hand, often implying holding handles or gripping an object directly. It is commonly used in everyday contexts involving carrying bags, boxes, or groceries.
Common Collocations
- 拎包 (līn bāo): to carry a bag by hand
- 拎东西 (līn dōngxi): to carry things
- 拎菜 (līn cài): to carry groceries
These collocations emphasize the physical action of holding and transporting items manually.
Nuances and Register
拎 is informal and frequently used in spoken Mandarin. It conveys a casual tone and is often used when asking for or describing help with carrying objects. It differs from 搬 (bān), which means to move or carry heavier items and often implies more effort or larger scale.
Common Confusion
Do not confuse 拎 with 提 (tí), which also means to carry but can be more general or formal. 拎 usually implies holding something by hand or handle, often smaller or medium-sized items.
Understanding 拎 helps learners describe everyday actions involving carrying objects in a natural and colloquial way.