提

• Pinyin: tí
• Hanzi breakdown: 提 = 扌(hand) + 是 (is, phonetic component) — to lift with the hand

Meaning

To carry; to lift; to mention. To hold something up by its handle, or to bring up a topic.

Has several common uses: physically carrying something by a handle (提包 carry a bag, 提水 carry water), mentioning or bringing up a topic (提到 mention, 提起 bring up), and raising or putting forward (提问 ask a question, 提意见 offer opinions). Very productive in forming compound verbs.

Examples

1. 请帮我提一下这个包。 Please help me carry this bag.
2. 他提了一桶水回来。 He carried a bucket of water back.
3. 别再提这件事了。 Don't bring up this matter again.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, conversation, carrying things

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 我帮你提行李吧。(Let me help you carry the luggage.)
• 你刚才提的那个想法很好。(The idea you just mentioned is very good.)

Don't Say

• 提一本书 (Don't use 提 for flat objects without handles — use 拿 for picking up or holding books; 提 implies carrying by a handle or strap)

Origin & History

The character 提 combines 扌(hand radical) with 是 (phonetic component), indicating an action performed by hand — to lift or hold up.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal