插

• Pinyin: chā
• Hanzi breakdown: 插 = 扌 (hand radical) + 臿 (phonetic component)

Meaning

To insert; to plug in; to stick in.

Used for inserting objects into slots, plugging in devices, or sticking things into something. Also used figuratively for interrupting, as in 插嘴 (to interrupt).

Examples

1. 请把手机充电器插到插座上。 Please plug the phone charger into the outlet.
2. 她在花瓶里插了几朵玫瑰花。 She put a few roses in the vase.
3. 别人说话的时候不要随便插嘴。 Don't casually interrupt when others are speaking.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, electronics, conversation

Tone: casual

Do Say

• 插上电源。(Plug in the power.)
• 把钥匙插进锁里。(Insert the key into the lock.)

Don't Say

• 用'插'描述大型物体的放置——应该用'放'或'摆' (Don't use 插 for placing large objects — use 放 or 摆 instead)

Origin & History

Pictophonetic character with 扌 (hand radical) + 臿 (phonetic), suggesting the action of inserting by hand.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal