How to Write 撤 (chè) — Meaning “to withdraw; to remove; to retreat”

Imagine a hand (扌) pulling a long thread (the right side resembles 彻) all the way back — this 'thorough' pulling back is exactly what 'to withdraw' means. Picture a chess player suddenly withdrawing their hand after moving a piece, saying 'chè tuì' (retreat).

The left radical 扌 has three strokes: horizontal, vertical hook, and a short lift — do not make the lift too long. The right part 彻 has 7 strokes: the first component 彳 (two small strokes) is narrow, then 亻 (person radical), and finally 切 (cut). Keep the right side balanced and about the same height as the left. A common mistake is writing the right side too wide or forgetting the third stroke of 扌.

撤 (chè) means to withdraw or remove, while 搋 (chuāi) means to knead or hide (as in tucking something into a pocket). 搌 (zhǎn) means to wipe or sweep. Visually, 撤 has the right part 彻, 搋 has 揣 (chuāi) on the right, and 搌 has 展 (zhǎn) on the right. Their pronunciations and meanings are completely different, so pay attention to the right-side component.

撤 is common in military, business, and everyday contexts, such as 撤退 (to retreat), 撤职 (to dismiss from a post), and 撤回 (to recall or retract). In Chinese culture, 'withdrawing' is sometimes seen as a strategic move rather than a loss, as in the saying '进可攻，退可守' (advance to attack, retreat to defend).

Common words containing 撤 include: 撤退 (chè tuì) — to retreat; to withdraw; 撤职 (chè zhí) — to dismiss from a post; to fire; 撤回 (chè huí) — to withdraw; to recall; to retract.