Definition
拆 (chāi) means to take apart, dismantle, or tear open — a general verb for separating something into parts. 拆除 (chāi chú) is more specific: it refers to demolishing or removing a structure completely. For tearing paper or fabric, use 撕 (sī) instead.
verb
to take apartto dismantle (a machine, building, etc.)to tear open (a letter, package, etc.)
Easily confused
- 折zhélook-aliketo break, to fracture
Examples
- 拆。Tā bǎ jiù shǒujī chāi le.He took apart the old phone.
- 。Qǐng bāng wǒ chāi kāi zhège xìnfēng.Please help me tear open this envelope.
- 拆。Gōngrénmen zhèngzài chāi jiù fángzi.The workers are tearing down the old house.
Browse more HSK 5 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.