撤
Character Story & Explanation
撤 is widely used in modern Chinese media and administration: news outlets report 'troops撤 from border areas', courts issue 'orders to撤 charges', and companies announce '撤 advertising campaigns' after public backlash. A common phrase is 撤回申请 (chèhuí shēnqǐng) — 'to withdraw an application', frequently seen in visa, university admission, or patent contexts. It also appears in the idiom 撤销原判 (chèxiāo yuán pàn), meaning 'to overturn the original verdict', used in legal reporting.
The character evolved from seal script, where the right component combined elements suggesting 'to execute movement' (彳) and 'to nurture/end' (育), reflecting deliberate withdrawal—not passive removal. Though not a pictograph, its structure consistently conveys authoritative reversal across dynastic edicts (e.g., Ming-era imperial decrees revoking appointments) and today’s administrative notices.
Hi students! Let’s learn 撤 (chè), a Level 6 HSK character meaning 'to remove' or 'to withdraw'. It’s not about casual tidying—it carries weight: think military retreats, policy reversals, or urgent safety actions. The left-hand radical 扌 (hand) shows physical action, while the right side (育 + 丶 + 彳) historically relates to movement and execution—hinting this is an intentional, often formal, act of taking something back or pulling out.
This character appears in serious contexts: government announcements, news headlines, and official documents. You won’t use it for 'removing dishes from the table' (that’s 收 shōu)—撤 implies authority, consequence, or reversal. For example, 撤销 (chèxiāo) means 'to revoke' a decision; 撤离 (chèlí) means 'to evacuate' people from danger. Its tone (fourth tone) is sharp and decisive—just like the action itself!
As beginners, focus on recognizing 撤 in compound words first. Don’t confuse it with similar-sounding characters like 澈 (chè, 'clear/transparent') or 撒 (sā, 'to scatter'). Practice writing its 15 strokes slowly: start with the hand radical, then carefully build the right side—note the dot (丶) above 育 and the walking radical 彳 at the bottom. Repetition builds muscle memory—and confidence!
Example Sentences
Common Compounds
Similar Characters — Don't Mix These Up
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