拆除 — meaning in English: tear down

chāichú · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for removal

旅游

lǚyóu

拆除

chāichú

议会

yìhuì

船员

chuányuán

对手

duìshǒu

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neutral common

Usage

Native speakers often use 拆除 (chāichú) when discussing urban development or construction projects. For example, during a city council meeting, a member might propose the 拆除 of an old building to make way for a new park, highlighting the practical implications of such actions.

Synonyms & nuances

A similar term is 拆解 (chāijiě), which means 'to take apart' but is more commonly used in technical contexts or when referring to machinery. In contrast, 拆除 (chāichú) is specifically associated with physical structures, making it the better choice when discussing buildings or architectural elements.

Culture

The term 拆除 (chāichú) embodies a significant aspect of China's rapid urbanization. As cities expand and modernize, the concept of tearing down older structures to make way for new developments has become a topic of both excitement and controversy. Interestingly, the word is formed from 拆 (chāi), meaning 'to dismantle' or 'disassemble', and 除 (chú), meaning 'to remove' or 'eliminate', reflecting the dual action of tearing down and clearing space.

FAQ

Q.What does 拆除 mean in English?

拆除 (chāichú) translates to 'tear down' in English, commonly used in the context of demolishing buildings or clearing land.

Q.Can 拆除 be used in a figurative sense?

While 拆除 primarily refers to physical demolition, it can be used metaphorically in discussions about dismantling systems, traditions, or practices, indicating a broader context of change.

Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 拆除?

A common mistake is using 拆除 when referring to objects that are not physically built structures. It's important to use the term specifically for buildings or large physical entities to maintain clarity in communication.

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