拉拢

• Pinyin: lā lǒng
• Hanzi breakdown: 拉 = 扌(hand) + 立 (stand) — pull; 拢 = 扌(hand) + 龙 (dragon) — gather

Meaning

To win over; to draw in; to court. Deliberately trying to gain someone's support or loyalty.

Often carries slightly negative connotations, suggesting manipulation or ulterior motives. Used in political, business, and social contexts where someone is trying to build alliances or gain supporters.

Examples

1. 他一直试图拉拢公司里的中层管理者。 He has been trying to win over the middle managers in the company.
2. 政客们在选举前忙着拉拢选民。 Politicians are busy courting voters before the election.
3. 别被他的甜言蜜语拉拢了，他有自己的目的。 Don't be swayed by his sweet talk — he has his own agenda.

Usage Guide

Context: politics, business, social maneuvering

Tone: calculating

Do Say

• 他善于拉拢人心。(He is good at winning people over.)
• 公司在拉拢竞争对手的核心员工。(The company is courting key employees from competitors.)

Don't Say

• 用拉拢描述真诚的交友行为。(拉拢 implies ulterior motives — use 结交 or 交朋友 for genuine befriending)

Origin & History

Compound of 拉 (pull) + 拢 (gather/collect). Literally 'pull together' — drawing people to one's side.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal