要
request; coerce; invite; surname; old form of waist
Meanings
5 senses · 25 examplesverb
to request; to demand
neutralUsed in formal or neutral contexts when making a demand or request.
He requested the company to raise his salary.
Employees' reasonable demands should be taken seriously.
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She demanded that we finish the task on time.
The requirements for this project are very high.
The client requested to revise the design plan.
verb
to coerce; to threaten
neutralImplies using force or threats to make someone comply, often in negative contexts.
He coerced the other party using his family's safety.
This kind of coercive method is immoral.
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The gangsters threatened the hostage's family to pay ransom.
She refused to be coerced by colleagues into doing something against the rules.
The law prohibits coercing others with violence.
verb
to invite; to ask
archaicArchaic or literary usage, equivalent to modern '邀'.
He invited me to go to the banquet together.
There is a line in ancient poetry: 'invite guests to enjoy together'.
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The host invited the friend to stay for a meal.
He asked me to help write a recommendation letter.
Ancient scholars often invited close friends to drink and compose poetry.
noun
surname Yao
neutralUsed when referring to someone with the surname Yao.
Yao Ming is a famous basketball player.
My head teacher's surname is Yao.
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Mr. Yao is the founder of this company.
There are many famous people with the surname Yao in history.
She introduced: 'This is Ms. Yao.'
noun
waist
archaicArchaic usage, equivalent to modern '腰'.
He stood with his hands on his waist, looking very angry.
In ancient language, '要' is equivalent to '腰', referring to a body part.
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She wore a red waist belt.
Ancient costumes often focused on the waist as a decorative point.
He had a persistent pain in his waist due to injury.