提
to lift; to carry; to mention; to raise
tí
What does 提 mean?
提 (tí) is a high-frequency verb with two core senses learners need. First, the physical one: 'to lift or carry something by its handle,' as in carrying a bag, briefcase, kettle, or bucket — 提包 'carry a bag,' 提水 'carry water.' The motion is hand-down-at-your-side, gripping a handle; for shoulder-carrying use 背 (bèi), for hugging in arms use 抱 (bào). Second, the figurative one: 'to mention / bring up / raise (an issue, name, suggestion)' — 提一个问题 'raise a question,' 别提了 'don't mention it.'
Two contrasts with English: first, English uses different verbs for the physical and verbal senses (carry vs. mention) — Chinese unifies them under 提 the way 'to bring up' works in English ('bring up a bag, bring up a topic'). Second, common compounds expand the meaning: 提高 'raise/improve,' 提醒 'remind,' 提供 'provide,' 提前 'move forward in time.' Mastering 提 unlocks dozens of HSK 4-5 verbs.
Note:
Character breakdown
lift; raise; carry by handle; mention; the 扌 'hand' radical on the left signals the action; 是 on the right gives the sound
Memory hook: 扌 'hand' radical + 是 (sounds like 'shi/ti') — hand lifts/raises something.
Example sentences
他提着一个大包。
Tā tí zhe yí gè dà bāo.
He's carrying a big bag.
spoken
请帮我提一下这个箱子。
Qǐng bāng wǒ tí yíxià zhège xiāngzi.
Please help me lift this box for a sec.
spoken, polite
他在会上提了一个好问题。
Tā zài huì shàng tí le yí gè hǎo wèntí.
He raised a good question at the meeting.
neutral
别提那件事了，太难过。
Bié tí nà jiàn shì le, tài nánguò.
Don't bring that up — it's too sad.
spoken
我们要努力提高中文水平。
Wǒmen yào nǔlì tígāo Zhōngwén shuǐpíng.
We should work hard to improve our Chinese.
neutral
Common phrases with 提
Synonyms
拿 = 'to take / hold in hand' — general grasping. 提 specifically uses the handle hanging at your side. You 拿手机 (hold a phone) but 提包 (carry a bag by its handle). A bag without a handle: 拿 it.
举 = 'to raise up high' (举手 raise your hand, 举杯 raise a glass). 提 stays lower, at hip or shoulder height. 举 goes overhead; 提 hangs at your side.
Don't confuse 提 with
题 (also tí, second tone) means 'topic / question (on a test)' (问题 question, 题目 topic). 提 means 'to lift / mention.' Same sound, different characters and roles — 提问 'ask a question' (verb), 问题 'a question' (noun).
替 (fourth tone) means 'to replace / on behalf of' (替我去 go in my place). 提 (second tone) means 'lift / mention.' Different tone, different meaning entirely.