拆 (chāi) — to take apart, to dismantle (a machine, building, etc.); to tear open (a letter, package, etc.)
Definition
拆 covers both senses: physically taking apart machines or buildings, and tearing open packages. Use 撕 (HSK7) for tearing paper/cloth casually; 拆除 is the formal written term specifically for demolishing structures.
verb
to take apartto dismantle (a machine, building, etc.)to tear open (a letter, package, etc.)
Easily confused
Examples
- 拆。Tā bǎ jiù shǒu jī chāi le.He took apart the old phone.
- 。Qǐng bāng wǒ chāi kāi zhè ge xìn fēng.Please help me tear open this envelope.
- 拆。Gōng rén men zhèng zài chāi jiù fáng zi.The workers are tearing down the old house.
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