At the A1 level, '着手' (zhuóshǒu) might be a bit too advanced for daily conversation, but you can understand it as a special way to say 'start doing something important.' Think of it as 'putting your hands on a project.' While you usually use '开始' (kāishǐ) to start a game or a class, '着手' is for when you are starting to work on a big task. For example, if you are starting to do your homework for a long time, you might say you '着手' do it. It is always a verb. Just remember: '着' is pronounced 'zhuó' here, not 'zhe.'
For A2 learners, '着手' is a word you will start to see in simple news stories or work-related dialogues. It means 'to set about' or 'to begin a task.' You can use it in the pattern '着手 + Verb.' For example, '着手准备' (set about preparing). It sounds more serious than '开始.' If you tell your teacher you are '着手' writing your essay, it sounds like you are working very hard on it. You should also learn '从...着手,' which means 'to start from a certain point.' This is useful for explaining how you solve a problem.
At the B1 level, you should be able to distinguish '着手' from other 'start' words like '开始' and '动手.' '着手' is more formal and is used for professional tasks or systematic actions. You will often hear it in business meetings or see it in emails. It implies that you have a plan and are now starting to execute it. Common phrases include '着手调查' (start investigating) and '着手处理' (start handling). You should also be familiar with the phrase '无从着手' (wúcóng zhuóshǒu), which means you have no idea how to start because the problem is too big.
As a B2 learner, you should use '着手' to elevate your formal writing and speaking. It is the perfect word for describing the implementation phase of a project or the beginning of a complex analysis. You should understand its nuance: it's not just 'starting,' it's 'tackling.' It suggests a methodical and determined approach. You should be able to use it in structures like '从基础着手' (start from the basics) to show a logical progression. In professional contexts, using '着手' instead of '开始' shows that you have a high level of linguistic competence and understand the appropriate register.
At the C1 level, you should appreciate the subtle imagery of '着手'—the 'application of hands' to a problem. You will encounter this word in literary texts, academic papers, and high-level political discourse. It is often used to describe the initiation of reforms, the beginning of historical shifts, or the start of a profound intellectual inquiry. You should be able to use it effortlessly in various contexts, including abstract ones like '从心理层面着手' (tackling it from a psychological level). You should also recognize its role in creating a professional and authoritative tone in your own Chinese essays and presentations.
For C2 learners, '着手' is a versatile tool for precise expression. You should understand how it fits into the broader ecosystem of Chinese verbs related to initiation and action. You can analyze its use in classical-style modern prose and understand how it contrasts with more archaic or highly specialized terms. You should be able to use it to convey a sense of gravitas or administrative precision. Whether you are discussing the '着手点' (starting point/entry point) of a complex legal case or the way a philosopher '着手' deconstructs a concept, you use the word with full awareness of its stylistic weight and historical resonance.

着手 در ۳۰ ثانیه

  • 着手 (zhuóshǒu) means 'to set about' or 'to tackle.' It is a formal verb used when you move from planning to actual action on a task.
  • It is commonly used in professional contexts like business, law, and academia. Avoid using it for simple, everyday actions like eating or sleeping.
  • The most frequent sentence pattern is '着手 + Verb' (e.g., 着手调查) or '从...着手' (starting from a specific point to solve a problem).
  • The pronunciation is 'zhuóshǒu' (second tone). It is often confused with '开始' (general start) or '动手' (physical/informal start).

The Chinese verb 着手 (zhuóshǒu) is a sophisticated term that translates to 'set about,' 'start,' or 'begin to tackle.' While the basic word for 'start' is 开始 (kāishǐ), 着手 carries a much more specific nuance. It implies the transition from the planning or conceptual stage into the actual physical or administrative execution of a task. When you use 着手, you are suggesting that the 'hands' (手) are finally being 'applied' (着) to the work at hand. It is most commonly found in professional, academic, and formal contexts where a systematic approach is being initiated.

Formal Initiation
This word is the gold standard for describing the official start of a project, investigation, or reform. It suggests that the preparatory phase is over and the real work is commencing.
Problem Solving
It is frequently paired with words like 'solving' (解决) or 'investigating' (调查). It implies a methodical approach to resolving a complex issue.
Point of Entry
It often appears in the structure '从...着手' (starting from...), which indicates the specific angle or starting point chosen to address a large problem.

既然方案已经定下来了,我们明天就着手办理。(Since the plan has been finalized, we will set about handling it tomorrow.)

In a corporate environment, a manager might say, 'We need to 着手 investigate the cause of the decline in sales.' This sounds much more professional and determined than simply saying 'start looking into it.' It conveys a sense of taking responsibility and applying effort. The word is composed of '着' (to touch/apply) and '手' (hand), literally meaning to put your hand to something. This physical imagery helps learners remember that it is about the action phase of a process.

我们要从基础工作着手,逐步提高产品质量。(We must start from the basic work and gradually improve product quality.)

Furthermore, 着手 is often used in the negative form '无从着手' (wúcóng zhuóshǒu), meaning 'to have no way to start' or 'to be at a loss as to where to begin.' This is a common expression when faced with an overwhelming task that lacks a clear entry point. Understanding this word is crucial for reaching the B2 level because it allows you to describe professional actions with the appropriate register and precision expected in business and academic Chinese.

The grammatical application of 着手 (zhuóshǒu) is relatively straightforward but requires attention to the objects it takes. It functions as a verb that is almost always followed by another verb or a verbal noun. This reflects the idea of 'setting about DOING something.'

The '着手 + Verb' Pattern
This is the most common structure. Examples include 着手调查 (begin to investigate), 着手处理 (begin to handle), and 着手准备 (begin to prepare).
The '从...着手' Pattern
This pattern identifies the starting point or the specific aspect being tackled first. For example, '从细节着手' means to start by looking at the details.

调查组已经着手收集相关证据。(The investigation team has already set about collecting relevant evidence.)

When using 着手, the timing is usually immediate or very soon. It is often preceded by adverbs like '已经' (already), '立即' (immediately), or '准备' (prepare to). It marks the transition from 'thinking about it' to 'doing it.' In complex sentences, it can act as the main verb of a clause that sets the stage for the rest of the narrative. For instance, 'Once we set about implementing the reform, we encountered many unexpected difficulties.'

解决这个问题,我们可以从改善环境着手。(To solve this problem, we can start by improving the environment.)

In business writing, 着手 adds a layer of professionalism. Compare 'We started the project' with 'We set about the project.' The latter implies a more deliberate and organized commencement. This is why you will see it in official reports, news articles, and project proposals. It is a 'high-register' word that signals the speaker's competence and the importance of the task.

由于缺乏资料,我们一时感到无从着手。(Due to the lack of materials, we felt at a loss for a moment as to how to begin.)

You are likely to encounter 着手 (zhuóshǒu) in environments that require precise communication about actions and plans. It is not a word you would typically hear in a casual conversation between friends at a bar, but it is omnipresent in professional and intellectual circles.

The Corporate Office
In meetings, managers use 着手 to assign tasks or announce the start of a new initiative. 'We are setting about developing a new marketing strategy' sounds decisive and professional.
News and Media
Journalists use this word to report on government actions. 'The government is setting about tackling the issue of air pollution' is a standard headline format.
Academic and Research Settings
When a researcher begins a new experiment or starts writing a thesis, 着手 is the appropriate term to describe the beginning of that intellectual labor.

相关部门已经着手制定新的行业标准。(Relevant departments have already set about formulating new industry standards.)

Imagine watching a Chinese news broadcast about a recent economic policy. The anchor might say, 'The central bank has 着手 adjusting the interest rates.' This usage highlights the active and systematic nature of the policy change. Similarly, in a detective novel or a police drama, you might hear a detective say, 'We need to 着手 investigate the victim's social circle.' This implies a methodical start to the investigation.

他决定从今天起着手撰写他的回忆录。(He decided to set about writing his memoirs starting today.)

Even in literature, 着手 is used to depict a character's resolve. When a protagonist decides to change their life or embark on a quest, the author might use 着手 to emphasize the transition from thought to deed. It provides a sense of gravity and purpose that '开始' simply lacks. Therefore, mastering this word will significantly improve your ability to understand formal Chinese media and professional discourse.

While 着手 (zhuóshǒu) is a useful word, its formal nature and specific usage patterns make it prone to certain errors by English speakers. Understanding these pitfalls will help you use the word more naturally.

Over-usage in Casual Speech
The most common mistake is using 着手 for everyday actions. Saying '我着手吃饭' (I set about eating) sounds incredibly strange and overly dramatic. Stick to 开始 for daily routines.
Confusing '着手' with '上手'
上手 (shàngshǒu) means to 'get the hang of' or 'start doing something physically' (like playing a game or using a tool). 着手 is about the formal initiation of a task, not the physical ease of doing it.
Incorrect Pronunciation
Many learners see the character '着' and want to pronounce it as 'zháo' (as in 着急) or 'zhe' (the particle). In this specific compound, it must be zhuó.

Incorrect: 我们应该从这件小事入手解决。(Note: While '入手' is similar, '着手' is better for the formal 'set about' action.)

Another subtle mistake is using 着手 as a standalone verb without an implied or explicit object. You generally set about *doing* something. If you just say '我们着手吧' (Let's set about it), it feels incomplete unless the context has very clearly established what 'it' is. Usually, it's better to say '我们着手办理吧' (Let's set about handling it).

Correct: 工程师已经着手修复系统漏洞。(The engineers have already set about fixing the system vulnerabilities.)

Lastly, remember that 着手 implies a process that will take some time. It is not for instantaneous actions. You don't '着手' turn on a light switch. You '着手' a renovation of the entire house's lighting system. Keeping the scale of the task in mind will ensure you choose the right word for the right situation.

To truly master 着手 (zhuóshǒu), you must understand how it compares to its synonyms. Chinese has many ways to say 'start,' each with its own flavor.

开始 (kāishǐ) vs. 着手
开始 is the general, all-purpose word for 'start.' It can be a noun or a verb. 着手 is a formal verb specifically for tackling a task. You can say '电影开始了' (the movie started), but you cannot say '电影着手了.'
动手 (dòngshǒu) vs. 着手
动手 literally means 'move hands.' It is more physical and less formal. It can mean starting a fight or starting a manual task like cooking. 着手 is for more 'professional' or 'administrative' starts.
启动 (qǐdòng) vs. 着手
启动 means 'to launch' or 'to activate' (like a program, a machine, or a large-scale project). It is more mechanical or high-level than 着手.
入手 (rùshǒu) vs. 着手
入手 focuses on the 'entry point' or where you first 'get your hands in.' It is often used for buying things ('入手新手机') or finding a starting point for an analysis.

Comparison:
1. 我们下周开始放假。(We start vacation next week - General)
2. 我们下周着手调查。(We set about investigating next week - Formal/Task-oriented)

Choosing between these words depends on the context and the 'weight' of the action. If you want to sound like a professional who is taking a serious step toward completing a goal, 着手 is your best choice. If you are just describing the chronological beginning of an event, stick with 开始. If you are talking about the launch of a massive national campaign, 启动 might be more appropriate.

虽然任务艰巨,但他已经动手做了起来。(Although the task is difficult, he has already started doing it - More physical/informal.)

By learning these distinctions, you move beyond simple translation and begin to grasp the 'feeling' of the Chinese language. This is the hallmark of a B2-level learner: the ability to choose the word that fits the register and the specific nuance of the situation.

راهنمای تلفظ

UK dʒwɔː ʃoʊ
US dʒwɔ ʃoʊ
The stress is equal on both syllables, though the second tone in 'zhuó' rises, giving it a slight emphasis.
هم‌قافیه با
口 (kǒu) 走 (zǒu) 手 (shǒu) 后 (hòu) 酒 (jiǔ) 久 (jiǔ) 狗 (gǒu) 九 (jiǔ)
خطاهای رایج
  • Pronouncing '着' as 'zhe' (the neutral particle).
  • Pronouncing '着' as 'zháo' (as in '着急' - worried).
  • Using the third tone for 'zhuó' instead of the second tone.
  • Failing to aspirated the 'sh' in 'shǒu'.
  • Confusing the pronunciation with '入手' (rùshǒu).

مثال‌ها بر اساس سطح

1

我们要着手做作业了。

We are going to set about doing our homework.

着手 is followed by the verb '做' (to do).

2

他着手准备午饭。

He set about preparing lunch.

着手 indicates the start of the preparation process.

3

老师着手写板书。

The teacher set about writing on the blackboard.

Shows the teacher starting their work.

4

我们着手打扫房间。

We set about cleaning the room.

Formal way to say starting a big cleaning task.

5

他开始着手学习汉语。

He began to set about learning Chinese.

Double verb structure: 'begin to set about'.

6

着手工作吧!

Let's set about our work!

Imperative use for starting work.

7

我着手画一张画。

I set about drawing a picture.

Used for a creative task.

8

他们着手种树。

They set about planting trees.

Shows the start of a physical project.

1

我们下周着手处理这个问题。

We will set about handling this problem next week.

Time adverb '下周' precedes the verb.

2

他着手调查事情的真相。

He set about investigating the truth of the matter.

Common collocation: 着手调查.

3

公司着手开发新产品。

The company set about developing a new product.

Business context usage.

4

你应该从基础着手学习。

You should start learning from the basics.

Pattern: 从...着手.

5

我们要着手准备明天的会议。

We need to set about preparing for tomorrow's meeting.

着手 used for professional preparation.

6

他已经着手修理那辆旧车了。

He has already set about repairing that old car.

Already (已经) emphasizes the action has started.

7

我们得着手解决垃圾问题。

We must set about solving the trash problem.

Used for tackling a specific issue.

8

她着手翻译这本小说。

She set about translating this novel.

Used for a long-term project.

1

既然方案定了,我们就着手实施吧。

Since the plan is set, let's set about implementing it.

着手实施 is a formal business phrase.

2

这件事太复杂,我感到无从着手。

This matter is too complicated; I feel at a loss as to how to begin.

Idiomatic use: 无从着手.

3

政府已经着手进行经济体制改革。

The government has already set about carrying out economic reforms.

High-level administrative context.

4

我们要从改善服务态度着手。

We should start by improving our service attitude.

Identifying a specific starting point for improvement.

5

警方正着手搜集嫌疑人的证据。

The police are currently setting about collecting evidence on the suspect.

Present continuous sense with '正'.

6

他着手整理这些乱七八糟的资料。

He set about organizing these messy materials.

Used for a systematic organizational task.

7

项目负责人正着手组建团队。

The project manager is setting about forming a team.

Used for the initial phase of a project.

8

我们必须着手应对气候变化。

We must set about addressing climate change.

Used for serious global issues.

1

为了提高效率,我们决定从流程优化着手。

To improve efficiency, we decided to start with process optimization.

Professional 'from... start' construction.

2

相关部门已着手调查事故原因。

Relevant departments have already set about investigating the cause of the accident.

Standard official reporting language.

3

他着手撰写关于社交媒体影响的论文。

He set about writing a thesis on the impact of social media.

Academic context.

4

面对如此庞大的工程,设计团队不敢轻易着手。

Faced with such a massive project, the design team didn't dare to set about it lightly.

Adverbial modification: '不敢轻易' (not dare to lightly).

5

一旦条件成熟,我们就着手进行实验。

Once the conditions are ripe, we will set about conducting the experiment.

Conditional phrase followed by '着手'.

6

他着手修补由于长期忽视而造成的管理漏洞。

He set about mending the management loopholes caused by long-term neglect.

Used for corrective actions.

7

我们需要从源头着手解决水污染问题。

We need to set about solving the water pollution problem from the source.

Specifying the root cause as the starting point.

8

律师正着手准备法庭辩论的材料。

The lawyer is setting about preparing materials for the court debate.

Legal context.

1

这篇文章从文化差异着手,深入分析了误解的根源。

Starting from cultural differences, this article deeply analyzes the roots of misunderstanding.

Used to describe the analytical approach of a text.

2

企业应着手建立一套完善的危机预警机制。

Enterprises should set about establishing a complete crisis early-warning mechanism.

Used for strategic planning.

3

他试图从哲学角度着手探讨人生的意义。

He attempted to set about exploring the meaning of life from a philosophical perspective.

Abstract intellectual inquiry.

4

在没有充分准备之前,不宜盲目着手。

It is not advisable to set about it blindly without sufficient preparation.

Formal advice using '不宜' (not advisable).

5

该组织正着手在全球范围内推广可持续发展理念。

The organization is setting about promoting the concept of sustainable development globally.

Broad, international scope.

6

为了缓解交通压力,市政府着手规划新的地铁线路。

To alleviate traffic pressure, the city government set about planning new subway lines.

Municipal planning context.

7

他着手对公司的财务状况进行全面审计。

He set about conducting a comprehensive audit of the company's financial situation.

Formal financial procedure.

8

研究人员正着手攻克这个困扰医学界多年的难题。

Researchers are setting about tackling this difficult problem that has plagued the medical world for years.

Scientific breakthrough context.

1

历史学家们正着手重新审视那段被遗忘的历史。

Historians are setting about re-examining that forgotten period of history.

Academic re-evaluation.

2

新任CEO着手对企业文化进行大刀阔斧的改革。

The new CEO set about carrying out drastic reforms to the corporate culture.

Using idioms like '大刀阔斧' with '着手'.

3

该法案的通过意味着政府将着手履行其国际承诺。

The passing of the bill means the government will set about fulfilling its international commitments.

Political/Legal obligation.

4

他决定从重塑个人品牌着手,开启职业生涯的新篇章。

He decided to start by reshaping his personal brand to open a new chapter in his career.

Metaphorical 'new chapter' context.

5

若要根治腐败,必须从制度建设着手。

If corruption is to be eradicated, one must start from institutional construction.

Formal political argumentation.

6

叙事者从一段不起眼的往事着手,勾勒出时代的变迁。

The narrator starts from an obscure past event to outline the changes of the era.

Literary analysis.

7

专家们正着手评估新技术可能带来的伦理风险。

Experts are setting about evaluating the ethical risks that new technologies might bring.

Ethical and scientific evaluation.

8

在深入调研的基础上,他着手撰写了这份极具影响力的报告。

On the basis of in-depth research, he set about writing this highly influential report.

Describing a process based on thorough preparation.

ترکیب‌های رایج

着手调查
着手处理
着手准备
着手解决
着手进行
着手制定
着手实施
着手整理
着手撰写
从...着手

عبارات رایج

无从着手

— To have no way to start; to be at a total loss.

面对这一堆乱麻,他感到无从着手。

立即着手

— To set about doing something immediately.

收到命令后,他立即着手办理。

准备着手

— Preparing to start or tackle a task.

我们正准备着手开发新市场。

已经着手

— Have already started tackling the task.

相关部门已经着手调查。

难以着手

— Difficult to start or find an entry point.

这个问题太棘手,实在难以着手。

从头着手

— To start from the very beginning.

既然错了,我们就从头着手吧。

着手点

— The starting point or entry point of a project.

我们需要找到一个好的着手点。

共同着手

— To set about a task together.

两家公司决定共同着手研发。

重新着手

— To set about a task again or restart it.

他在失败后决定重新着手实验。

先行着手

— To start ahead of others or as a first step.

我们应先行着手准备核心资料。

اصطلاحات و عبارات

"无从着手"

— Literally 'no way to apply hands,' meaning to be unable to find a starting point for a complex problem.

这件案子线索全断了,让侦察员无从着手。

Formal/Literary
"大刀阔斧"

— To act boldly and resolutely (often used with 着手 for reforms).

他正着手大刀阔斧地进行人事改革。

Idiomatic/Formal
"从长计议"

— To take one's time in making a decision (sometimes the opposite of 着手).

这件事不宜立即着手,还需从长计议。

Formal
"急于求成"

— Anxious for success (a warning when one '着手' too quickly).

着手工作时不能急于求成。

Proverbial
"循序渐进"

— To proceed in step-by-step order (how one should '着手').

我们应着手制定一个循序渐进的计划。

Formal
"事半功倍"

— Half the effort, twice the result (if you choose the right '着手点').

选对了着手点,就能事半功倍。

Idiomatic
"未雨绸缪"

— To prepare before the rain (setting about preparation early).

我们应着手未雨绸缪,防患于未然。

Literary
"有的放矢"

— To have a target in mind (how to '着手' effectively).

着手解决问题要有的放矢。

Formal
"一筹莫展"

— To be at one's wit's end (similar to feeling '无从着手').

他面对难题一筹莫展,不知如何着手。

Literary
"雷厉风行"

— To act with lightning speed (how a leader might '着手' a task).

新经理着手工作雷厉风行。

Formal

خانواده کلمه

اسم‌ها

着手点 (zhuóshǒudiǎn) - starting point; entry point

فعل‌ها

着手 (zhuóshǒu) - to set about; to start
入手 (rùshǒu) - to start from; to obtain
动手 (dòngshǒu) - to start work; to hit someone
上手 (shàngshǒu) - to get the hang of; to start doing

مرتبط

开始 (kāishǐ)
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