to shed

JLPT N5 11 strokes

Words with this Kanji

Usage of (tuō)

The character primarily means "to take off" or "to shed," commonly used when removing clothing or shedding skin, as with animals. It also extends metaphorically to mean "to escape from" or "to get rid of" something undesirable, such as danger or a difficult situation.

Common Collocations

  • 衣服 (tuō yīfu): to take off clothes, used in everyday contexts.
  • (tuō pí): to shed skin, often used for animals like snakes.
  • 脱离危险 (tuōlí wēixiǎn): to escape danger, used figuratively.

Notes

When used with clothing, is a direct action verb. When used metaphorically, it often pairs with (lí) to form 脱离, meaning "to break away from" or "to escape." Avoid confusing with similar verbs like (to fall off) which has a more passive nuance.

In conversation, is straightforward and neutral in tone, suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Example Sentences

Please take off your coat; the room is warm.

Snakes shed their skin to grow.

He finally got out of danger.