Definition
揣 (chuāi) is a formal, literary verb meaning 'to estimate, guess, or surmise' — it implies a careful, thoughtful guess based on clues or evidence, not a random one. It is much less common than everyday 猜 (cāi) or 估计 (gūjì), and often appears in written language or set phrases.
verb
to estimateto guessto surmise
Easily confused
- 踹chuàilook-aliketo kick
- 喘chuǎnlook-aliketo gasp for breath; to pant; to breathe heavily
- 端duānlook-aliketo hold (a cup, bowl, etc.) level with both hands; to carry (in both hands)
Examples
- 。wǒ chuāi cè bù chū tā de xiǎngfǎ.I can't guess his thoughts.
- 。cóng tā de biǎoqíng kěyǐ chuāi cè chū tā hěn kāixīn.From her expression, one can guess she is very happy.
- ，。bié luàn chuāi cè, xiān diàochá qīngchu zài shuō.Don't guess randomly; investigate first and then talk.
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