Definition
押 (yā) has three main meanings: (1) to pawn or mortgage, putting up an item as collateral for a loan; (2) to detain or take into custody, often by police or authorities; (3) to escort under guard. Compared to 拘留 (jūliú), which specifically means formal detention by law, 押 is broader and can include temporary holding or escorting. For the pawn sense, 抵押 (dǐyā) is more formal and refers specifically to mortgaging property or assets as security.
verb
to pawnto mortgageto take into custodyto detainto escort (under guard)
Easily confused
- 里lǐlook-alikeinside; interior; within
- 呀yāsound-alike(interjection) ah! oh! (expressing surprise, sudden realization, or admiration)
- 搀chānlook-aliketo take by the arm and assist (e.g., an elderly or injured person)
- 压yāsound-aliketo press, to push down
- 牙yásound-aliketooth
- 哑yǎsound-alikemute, dumb
- 芽yásound-alikebud, sprout
Examples
- 押。Tā yòng jīn biǎo yā le yì bǐ qián.He pawned his gold watch for a sum of money.
- 押。Tā yīnwèi tōu dōngxi bèi yā le.He was detained for stealing.
- 押。Tā fùzé yā zhè pī huòwù.He is responsible for escorting this shipment.
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