撕

• Pinyin: sī
• Hanzi breakdown: 撕 = 扌(手, hand) + 斯 (phonetic) — to tear, to rip with the hands

Meaning

To tear; to rip. To pull apart or split something, typically paper, cloth, or similar material, by applying opposing forces.

Used both literally (tearing paper, fabric) and figuratively (破坏关系 — tearing apart a relationship, or in internet slang 撕破脸 — to have a public falling out). In online contexts, 互撕 describes a public dispute or fight between individuals or parties. The action implies irreversibility.

Examples

1. 他一怒之下将那封信撕得粉碎，扔进了垃圾桶，拒绝接受任何解释。 In a burst of anger, he tore the letter into shreds, threw it into the trash, and refused to accept any explanation.
2. 工人们将旧海报从墙上撕下来，为新一轮的展览装饰做好准备。 The workers tore the old posters off the wall to prepare for decorating for the next round of exhibitions.
3. 这段友谊因一场误会而撕裂，修复起来需要双方付出巨大的努力与诚意。 This friendship was torn apart by a misunderstanding, and repairing it will require enormous effort and sincerity from both sides.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, physical action, figurative, internet slang

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 她把那份不合格的合同文本当场撕毁，表示绝不在对方修改前提出的单方面条款上签字。(She tore up the unacceptable contract on the spot, making clear she would not sign any unilateral terms before the other party made amendments.)
• 两位网红在直播中互撕，言辞激烈，引发了大量网友的围观与评论。(The two influencers engaged in a fierce public quarrel during their live streams, drawing massive attention and commentary from viewers.)

Don't Say

• 不要将 撕 用于切割或剪断的动作 — 切 (qiē) 表示用刀切，剪 (jiǎn) 表示用剪刀剪，撕 特指用手拉扯撕裂

Origin & History

Pictophonetic character — 手 (hand) radical indicating a physical action; phonetic component 斯. To tear with the hands.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal