搀
chān · HSK 7
to take by the arm and assist
🤝 chān sounds like chan-ce to lend a hand — mix support with steps
The character combines 扌(hand radical) with 毚 (cunning hare). A hand reaching out to steady someone walking, or to blend ingredients together. From physical support to mixing liquids, the core idea is two things merging through contact.
搀 — hand radical 扌 + 毚 chán (phonetic)
A semantic-phonetic compound. The hand radical 扌 gives the meaning 'to support by the arm, to help along,' while 毚 (chán), depicting a cunning hare, supplies the sound. The character developed from the idea of physically steadying someone, later extending to 'mix in' or 'adulterate.'