牵

• Pinyin: qiān
• Hanzi breakdown: 牵 = 玄 (mysterious, string) + 冖 (cover) + 牛 (ox) — leading an ox by a rope

Meaning

To lead by hand; to pull; to involve. Describes pulling or guiding someone or something by a connection.

Used for leading animals (牵狗 — walk a dog), holding hands to guide (牵着孩子), or figuratively for involvement and connections (牵涉 — involve, 牵挂 — worry about). Implies a continuous physical or emotional link between parties.

Examples

1. 他每天早上都牵着狗在公园里散步。 He walks his dog in the park every morning.
2. 妈妈牵着孩子的手过马路。 Mom held the child's hand while crossing the street.
3. 这件事牵涉到很多利益相关方。 This matter involves many stakeholders.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, relationships, involvement

Tone: caring

Do Say

• 牵着我的手，别走丢了。(Hold my hand, don't get lost.)
• 这件事跟我没有牵连。(This matter has no involvement with me.)

Don't Say

• 不要说'牵车'来表示开车或推车 (Don't say 牵车 for driving or pushing a vehicle — 牵 is for leading by a rope or hand)

Origin & History

The character 牵 originally depicted leading an ox with a rope. The 牛 (ox) radical at the bottom connects to the idea of guiding large animals.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal