Chinese Grammar Reference logo

    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'to make a move' with 出手 (chūshǒu)

    Actions & Events

    Structure

    伸 + 出手

    Explanation

    The verb 出手 (chūshǒu) means 'to make a move,' 'to take action,' or literally 'to put out one's hand.' It can describe reaching for something, striking in combat, or taking decisive action. In combination with 伸, it forms 伸出手 meaning 'to reach out one's hand.'

    Examples

    • 对方先出手，我只是自卫而已。

      duìfāng xiān chūshǒu, wǒ zhǐshì zìwèi éryǐ.

      The other party struck first; I was only acting in self-defense.

    • 这件事你别急，等时机成熟再出手。

      zhè jiàn shì nǐ bié jí, děng shíjī chéngshú zài chūshǒu.

      Don't rush into this matter; wait until the time is right to make your move.

    • 他终于出手买下了那套心仪已久的房子。

      tā zhōngyú chūshǒu mǎi xià le nà tào xīnyí yǐ jiǔ de fángzi.

      He finally made his move and bought the house he had long had his eye on.

    Expressing 'to make a move' with 出手 (chūshǒu) | Chinese Grammar