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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'to stretch out' with 伸 (shēn)

    Actions & Events
    Direction & Movement

    Structure

    伸 + Body Part

    Explanation

    The verb 伸 (shēn) means 'to stretch out' or 'to extend.' It is commonly used to describe extending a body part, such as 伸手 (to reach out a hand) or 伸腿 (to stretch one's legs). The body part typically follows directly after 伸.

    Examples

    • 她伸手从书架上拿了一本小说。

      tā shēnshǒu cóng shūjià shàng ná le yī běn xiǎoshuō.

      She reached out and took a novel from the bookshelf.

    • 坐久了要站起来伸伸腿。

      zuò jiǔ le yào zhàn qǐlái shēnshen tuǐ.

      After sitting for a long time, you should stand up and stretch your legs.

    • 小猫伸出爪子去够桌上的鱼。

      xiǎo māo shēnchū zhǎozi qù gòu zhuō shàng de yú.

      The kitten stretched out its paw to reach the fish on the table.

    Expressing 'to stretch out' with 伸 (shēn) | Chinese Grammar