Meaning
撤 means to pull back, withdraw, or remove something from a position. It's commonly used for military retreats, removing objects from tables, evacuating people, or dismissing someone from a post. The character combines the hand radical (扌) with a phonetic component, suggesting the action of using hands to move or take away.
Usage
撤 is a formal-register verb often used in official contexts like military operations, job dismissals, or service situations. Common in phrases like 撤退 (retreat), 撤职 (dismiss from office), and 撤离 (evacuate). In restaurants, 撤 is the standard term for clearing dishes from the table.
Examples
- 01服务员很快就把吃完的盘子撤走了。.The waiter quickly cleared away the finished plates.
- 02政府决定从那个地区撤离所有人员。.The government decided to evacuate all personnel from that area.
Common collocations
- 撤军to withdraw troops
- 撤资to withdraw investment
- 撤回to withdraw, to take back
- 撤诉to withdraw a lawsuit
Antonyms
Origin
The character contains the hand radical 扌(hand) on the left, indicating an action performed with hands. The right component 彻 serves as a phonetic element and also suggests the meaning of thoroughness or penetration, combining to convey the idea of thoroughly removing or pulling back something.