揣

• Pinyin: chuāi
• Hanzi breakdown: 揣 = 扌 (hand) + 耑 (端 simplified, phonetic) = to tuck, to estimate

Meaning

To tuck into; to put in one's pocket or inside clothing. To carry something hidden on one's person.

Describes putting items into pockets, inside jackets, or other concealed places on one's body. Often used for money, documents, or small objects. Different from 放 which is neutral; 揣 implies concealment.

Examples

1. 他把钱包揣进内衣口袋里。 He tucked his wallet into his inner pocket.
2. 她揣着一封没寄出去的信离开了。 She left carrying an unsent letter tucked away.
3. 小贩把钞票揣进怀里，生怕被人抢走。 The vendor tucked the cash into his jacket, afraid someone might snatch it.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, narrative

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 出门前他把手机揣在兜里。(Before going out, he tucked his phone in his pocket.)
• 她揣着护照，紧张地走向海关。(She tucked away her passport and nervously walked toward customs.)

Don't Say

• 把书揣在书包里 (揣 is for concealing on one's body — for putting things in bags, use 放)

Origin & History

Originally meant to measure or estimate (as in 揣测). The meaning of tucking away likely developed from the hand gesture involved in estimating by touch.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal