qiān
搴
pluck; pull up; lift
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
2 senses · 4 examplesverb
to pluck; to pull out; to capture
literaryA classical literary verb, often used in the context of capturing enemy standards or pulling out plants. The idiom '斩将搴旗' means to behead enemy generals and capture their flags, symbolizing great military achievement.
Gǔ古
zhī之
měng猛
jiàng将
，
cháng常
néng能
yú于
wàn万
jūn军
zhī之
zhōng中
zhǎn斩
jiàng将
qiān搴
qí旗
。
Ancient fierce generals were often able to behead enemy commanders and capture their flags from within a vast army.
Qiān搴
fāng芳
zhǐ芷
xī兮
tīng汀
zhōu洲
。
Pluck the fragrant angelica on the islet. (Classical poetic line)
verb
to lift (clothing); to raise
archaicThis meaning is a variant of the character '褰'. It specifically means to lift up or gather one's skirts or clothing, often to wade through water or for ease of movement.
Qiān搴
cháng裳
shè涉
qín溱
。
Lifting my skirt, I waded across the Zhen River. (Line from the Classic of Poetry)
Tā她
qiān搴
qǐ起
luó罗
qún裙
，
xiǎo小
xīn心
yì翼
yì翼
de地
zǒu走
guò过
xiǎo小
xī溪
。
She lifted her silk skirt and carefully walked across the stream.