戳
chuō
In Chinese, 'poke' can be translated as 戳 (chuō), 捅 or 刺. If unsure, use 戳.
Meaning: to jab with an object such as a finger or a stick (verb)
Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 戳 | chuō |
| 捅 | tǒng |
| 刺 | cì |
The word 戳 is the most common way to describe a light poking motion, such as poking someone with a finger to get their attention. It is generally more neutral or even playful.
Which one should you use?
The choice between these words depends on the force and result of the action. 戳 describes a light or neutral poke. In contrast, 捅 implies a more forceful, deeper or sometimes more aggressive thrusting motion than 戳. 刺 is used when the poking action results in a prick or a puncture, such as with a needle or a thorn.
How do you pronounce it?
chuō
Did you know?
- While 刺 means to pierce or poke, it can also be used metaphorically to mean 'to satirize' or 'to criticize' someone, much like a verbal sting.
- The word 刺 contains a radical on the right side, 刂, which literally represents a 'knife'. This visual hint tells you that the action involves a sharp edge or a cutting tool.
- In some contexts, 戳 is used to describe 'hitting the nail on the head' or exposing a truth, as in the phrase 戳穿.
Examples in context
- 他用手指戳了戳我的胳膊。Tā yòng shǒuzhǐ chuōle chuō wǒ de gēbo.He poked my arm with his finger.
- 别用那根棍子戳我。Bié yòng nà gēn gùnzi chuō wǒ.Don't poke me with that stick.
- 他在试着用笔戳那个气泡。Tā zài shìzhe yòng bǐ chuō nàge qìpào.He is trying to poke the bubble with a pen.
Example conversation
A young man and woman are sitting on a park bench.
- 志强 Zhiqiang你在用手指戳什么呢？Nǐ zài yòng shǒuzhǐ chuō shénme ne?What are you poking with your finger?
- 雨婷 Yuting我在戳这块奇怪的石头。Wǒ zài chuō zhè kuài qíguài de shítou.I am poking this strange rock.
- 志强 Zhiqiang雨婷，小心别弄脏手。Yǔtíng, xiǎoxīn bié nòng zāng shǒu.Yuting, be careful not to get your hands dirty.
- 雨婷 Yuting没关系，没那么脏。Méiguānxi, méi nàme zāng.It's okay, it's not that dirty.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “poke” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
