laai1拉

Jyutpinglaai1

Yalelāai

動詞Very common

Definition

To pull or drag; also to play a stringed instrument with a bow.

to pull or drag
to play a stringed instrument with a bow

colloquialdaily actions

How it's used

Beyond the physical act of pulling, this verb is frequently used in the context of playing bowed string instruments like the 二胡. It also features in common slang where it can imply dragging someone into a situation or group, such as pulling a friend into a conversation or a project.

Examples

nei5你bong1幫ngo5我laai1拉hoi1開zoeng1張dang3櫈hou2好m4唔hou2好？

Could you help me pull the chair out?

keoi5佢laai1拉zyu6住ngo5我zek3隻sau2手m4唔bei2畀ngo5我zau2走。

He is holding onto my hand and won't let me leave.

Related words

synonymto1拖tōsee alsomang1掹māng

Common phrases

laai1拉hoi1開

to pull open

laai1拉zyu6住

to hold onto

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with 拖, which often implies dragging something along behind you or pulling someone by the hand while walking. While they overlap, 拉 is more focused on the exertion of force to bring something closer or to stretch it.