搀

• Pinyin: chān
• Hanzi breakdown: 搀 = 扌(hand) + 谗 (phonetic)

Meaning

To support; to steady someone by the arm; to help someone walk.

Describes the physical act of supporting an elderly person, a child, or someone who is unsteady by holding or guiding their arm. Carries a warm, caring connotation. Very common in descriptions of filial piety and care for the elderly.

Examples

1. 护士轻轻搀着老人慢慢走向病房，生怕他一不小心跌倒。 The nurse gently steadied the elderly patient by the arm and slowly walked him towards the ward, afraid he might trip.
2. 手术后他虚弱得无法独立行走，需要家人搀着才能移步。 After the operation he was too weak to walk independently and needed family members to support him to move about.
3. 她搀扶着步履蹒跚的奶奶，一步一步地走下了台阶。 She steadied her tottering grandmother by the arm and walked her down the steps one step at a time.

Usage Guide

Context: care, elderly, medical, family, everyday

Tone: caring

Do Say

• 老人年事已高，出行时需要有人搀扶，家人应多加关注。(The elderly person is advanced in years and needs someone to steady them when getting about — family members should pay closer attention.)
• 她主动上前搀住了在公交车上差点摔倒的老大爷。(She proactively stepped forward to steady the elderly man who nearly fell on the bus.)

Don't Say

• 他搀着那个箱子走。(搀 is used for supporting a person, not carrying an object; use 提/搬/扛 for luggage or boxes)

Origin & History

搀 = 扌(hand) + 谗 (phonetic). The hand supports/steadies another person.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal