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    Chinese Grammar

    Using 扣押 (kòuyā) to express "detain" or "seize"

    Actions & Events
    Obligation & Necessity

    Structure

    扣押 + 了 + Object

    Explanation

    The verb 扣押 (kòuyā) means "to detain" or "to seize" and is used when someone or something is held by force or legal authority. It often appears in news and legal contexts, such as when authorities confiscate goods or hold a person in custody. The verb typically takes an object directly, as in 扣押了货物 (seized the goods).

    Examples

    • 警方扣押了一批走私的电子产品。

      jǐngfāng kòuyā le yī pī zǒusī de diànzǐ chǎnpǐn.

      The police seized a batch of smuggled electronic products.

    • 海关扣押了他的行李，说里面有违禁品。

      hǎiguān kòuyā le tā de xínglǐ, shuō lǐmiàn yǒu wéijìnpǐn.

      Customs seized his luggage, saying there were prohibited items inside.

    • 那个嫌疑人已经被扣押了三天了。

      nàge xiányírén yǐjīng bèi kòuyā le sān tiān le.

      That suspect has already been detained for three days.

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    Using 扣押 (kòuyā) to express "detain" or "seize" | Chinese Grammar