扣

• Pinyin: kòu
• Hanzi breakdown: 扣 = 扌(hand) + 口 (mouth/opening), to fasten with hand

Meaning

To button up; to buckle; to deduct; to detain. Multiple related meanings around fastening or withholding.

Versatile verb with several meanings: (1) fasten/button: 扣扣子 (button up); (2) deduct: 扣分 (deduct points), 扣工资 (dock pay); (3) place upside down: 把碗扣过来; (4) detain: 扣押 (detain). The core meaning involves holding back or fastening securely.

Examples

1. 天气冷了，出门记得把外套扣子扣好。 It's getting cold; remember to button up your coat before going out.
2. 迟到一次扣五分，三次以上直接取消评优资格。 Five points are deducted for each tardiness; more than three times and you lose your eligibility for excellence awards.
3. 他把帽子扣在头上，匆匆忙忙地出门去了。 He put his hat on his head and hurried out the door.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, workplace, rules

Tone: practical

Do Say

• 把扣子扣上。(Button up.)
• 这个月被扣了两百块钱。(Two hundred yuan was deducted from my pay this month.)

Don't Say

• 混淆扣和系 (扣 is for buttons/buckles; 系 is for tying things like shoelaces or ties)

Origin & History

Originally meant to strike or knock (叩). The meaning evolved to include fastening (like knocking two things together) and withholding.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal