(kòu) — (verb) to deduct (money), to withhold; (verb) to fasten, to button up; (verb) to confiscate, to detain

Definition

扣 is the short verb for three distinct actions: fastening (扣扣子 button up), deducting money (扣除 from a pay/paycheck), and confiscating items. 扣留/扣押 name the more formal, legal-sounding 'detain/seize.'

verb
to deduct (money)to withholdto fastento button upto confiscateto detain

Examples

  • Gōng sī měi gè yuè kòu wǒ de shuì.
    The company deducts taxes from my salary each month.
  • Qǐng bǎ yī fu kòu hǎo.
    Please button your clothes.
  • Jǐng chá kòu le tā de hù zhào.
    The police confiscated his passport.

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