Meaning

Primary

To Pull

Alternatives

To Subtract, To Attract

Word Type

intransitive verb, transitive verb, godan verb

Explanation

This word consists of kanji with hiragana attached. Because the hiragana ends with an sound, you know this word is a verb. The kanji itself means pull and the verb version vocab means to pull.

This word has other meanings too! When you pull numbers away from other numbers, what you're really doing is subtracting them. That's why this word also means to subtract. And when you pull something towards you, that's to attract it.

Reading

ひく
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

Since this word consists of a kanji with hiragana attached, you can bet that it will use the kun'yomi reading. The reading () is the same as the one you learned for the kanji, meaning you should already know it!

Context

Pattern of Use

Common Word Combinations

  • 目を引く

    to catch one's eye

    ラインを引く

    to draw a line

    手を引く

    to wash one's hands of something

Context Sentences

ビビッドピンクは人の目を引くカラーです。

Vivid pink is an eye-catching color.

このレバーを力いっぱい引いて。

Pull this lever with all your strength.

十引くニは八でしょ?

Ten minus two is eight, right?

Kanji Composition