Definition
垂 (chuí) is a formal verb meaning 'to hang down' or 'dangle', often used in literary or written contexts. It contrasts with 低 (dī) which is the everyday verb for lowering your head/eyes, and with 塌 (tā) which implies sagging due to weakness or collapse. 垂 also has the unique sense 'to hand down to posterity' (e.g., deeds or traditions).
verb
to hang downto droopto dangleto hand downto bequeath (to posterity)
Easily confused
- 万wànlook-aliketen thousand
- 吹chuīsound-aliketo blow (of wind or by mouth)
- 力lìlook-alikepower, force, strength
- 锤chuísound-alike(noun) hammer
- 乃nǎilook-alike(literary adverb) thus; therefore; then
- 捶chuísound-aliketo beat, to thump, to pound (with a stick or one's fist)
- 刀dāolook-alikeknife; blade
- 雨yǔlook-alikerain
Examples
- 垂。Lèishuǐ cóng tā de liǎnjiá shang chuí luò.Tears fell from her cheeks.
- 垂。Tā de shìjì chuí yú hòushì.His deeds have been handed down to later generations.
- 垂。Lǎorén chuí zhe tóu jìngjìng de tīng.The old man listened quietly, with his head hung down.
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