How to Write 搭 (dā) — Meaning “build / take (transport) / match”

Imagine using your hand (扌) to grab grass (艹) and combine it (合) to build a small shelter. This visual of hands assembling materials helps you recall that 搭 means 'build' or 'match'.

Write the left radical 扌 first with three strokes: horizontal, vertical hook, then lift. The right part 荅 has nine strokes: first the grass radical 艹 (three strokes), then 合 starting with the top 'person' shape, a horizontal line, and a square 口 below. A common mistake is making the right part too wide, so keep it balanced.

While 搭 uses 扌 with 荅 to mean 'build' or 'take transport', 挨 has the phonetic 矣 and means 'to lean on' or 'to endure', and 挫 contains 坐 meaning 'to sit' and means 'to defeat' or 'to frustrate'. Visually, 搭 has the grass-top 艹 at the top right, which 挨 and 挫 lack.

You use 搭 when talking about building structures (搭建), taking transportation (搭车 for a bus or ride), or matching items (搭配 for coordinating colors or clothes). A cultural note: 搭讪 (dā shàn) means to start a conversation with a stranger, common in social situations.

Common words containing 搭 include: 搭配 (dā pèi) — match / coordinate; 搭车 (dā chē) — hitch a ride / take a bus; 搭建 (dā jiàn) — build / set up.