卸

• Pinyin: xiè
• Hanzi breakdown: 卸 = 午 (noon) + 卩 (kneeling figure — to stop work and set down a load at the end of a shift)

Meaning

To unload; to remove; to detach; to take off or discharge a load, burden, or attachment.

Used for unloading cargo, removing equipment, dismantling parts, or figuratively shedding responsibilities. Common in logistics, computing (uninstall), and metaphorical contexts (卸下重担 — to shed a heavy burden).

Examples

1. 码头工人连夜将船上的货物卸下，以确保明日准时发货。 Dockworkers worked through the night to unload the ship’s cargo to ensure it could be shipped on time tomorrow.
2. 软件安装失败后，技术员建议先将原有程序完全卸载，再重新安装。 After the software installation failed, the technician suggested fully uninstalling the existing program before reinstalling it.
3. 退休后，他终于卸下了多年来肩头的重担，开始享受清闲的生活。 After retiring, he finally set down the heavy burden he had carried for years and began to enjoy a quieter life.

Usage Guide

Context: logistics, computing, everyday, figurative

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 货运公司在完成装卸作业后，须向托运方提交一份完整的卸货清单以确认货物状态。(After completing the loading and unloading operations, the freight company must submit a complete unloading manifest to the shipper to confirm the condition of the goods.)
• 卸下职务后，他将更多精力投入到慈善事业和个人著述之中。(After being relieved of his duties, he devoted more energy to charitable work and personal writing.)

Don't Say

• 卸掉我的心情 — 卸 is for physical loads or responsibilities, not emotions; use 排解 or 发泄 for releasing emotions

Origin & History

卸 = 卩(seal/official kneeling) + 止 (stop) + 午 (noon — the time of day for a break); extended to mean putting down a load

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal