嚙 (niè) - To gnaw, to bite, to nibble & to erode or wear away through persistent action.

嚙Tone 4

niè ｜ 18 strokes ｜ radical:

念柠

嚙 · niè

To gnaw, to bite, to nibble;

to erode or wear away through persistent action.

To gnaw, to bite, to nibbleto erode or wear away through persistent action.

Usage highlights

Gnaw and biteGear meshingErode and wear awayAnimal gnawingBite throughWorn by gnawing

Synonyms

  • 咬— to bite (more general term)
  • 啃— to gnaw, to nibble

Antonyms

  • 修复— to repair, to restore
  • 保护— to protect, to preserve

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The mouse gnawed on the wood (老鼠嚙木头).
  • Constant dripping wears away stone (滴水嚙石).
  • The gear teeth mesh together (齿轮相嚙).

Collocations

  • Gnaw and bite(嚙咬)
  • Gear meshing(齿轮嚙合)
  • Erode and wear away(嚙蚀)
  • Animal gnawing(动物嚙食)
  • Bite through(嚙断)
  • Worn by gnawing(被嚙坏的)

Idioms

  • Year after year, month after month(穷年累月嚙)
  • Like a rat gnawing at a book — meaningless nibbling(鼠嚙蠹蚀)
  • Biting cold that chills to the bone(寒风嚙骨)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Often used metaphorically for persistent, gradual erosion or deterioration.
  • Appears in technical contexts like mechanical engineering for gear engagement.
  • Carries connotations of persistent, often destructive, gradual action.

FAQ