甩

• Pinyin: shuǎi
• Hanzi breakdown: 甩 = 用 (use) with a sweeping stroke indicating a forceful throwing motion

Meaning

To fling; to throw; to swing; to shake off. Describes a vigorous throwing or swinging motion, or the act of shaking something away.

Also used colloquially as 甩掉 to mean to ditch someone or shake off a pursuer. In informal speech, 甩 can also mean to leave someone far behind or to end a relationship abruptly.

Examples

1. 他用力甩掉手上沾着的泥土。 He shook the mud off his hands with a hard flick.
2. 教练要求运动员反复练习甩臂的力量与节奏。 The coach had the athletes repeatedly practice the power and rhythm of the arm-swing.
3. 她甩开他的手，头也不回地离去。 She yanked her hand free and walked away without looking back.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, sports, colloquial

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 他把湿雨伞甩了几下，然后放在门口晾干。(He swung the wet umbrella a few times before placing it by the door to dry.)
• 运动员大力甩出铁饼，成功打破了全国纪录。(The athlete flung the discus powerfully and successfully broke the national record.)

Don't Say

• 我甩了他一个电话 — 甩 does not mean to make a phone call; use 给他打了一个电话 instead

Origin & History

甩 — single character, ideographic; depicts a vigorous sweeping or flinging motion

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal