弄 (nòng) - to play with & to handle
弄 · nòng
to play with;
to handle;
to do;
to make;
to manage;
to get
to play withto handleto do
Usage highlights
to play withto fix/repairto make a messto understand/figure outto handle/manageto get/obtain
Usage & contexts
Examples
- The child is playing with toys (弄玩具).
- Don't make trouble (别弄乱).
- I need to fix this problem (需要弄好这个问题).
- He knows how to handle this machine (会弄这台机器).
Collocations
- to play with(弄着玩)
- to fix/repair(弄好)
- to make a mess(弄乱)
- to understand/figure out(弄懂)
- to handle/manage(弄起来)
- to get/obtain(弄到)
Idioms
- To play with fire and get burned(弄火自焚)
- To play with words/speak insincerely(弄嘴弄舌)
- To deliberately make things difficult(弄巧成拙)
- To play the tyrant/bully others(弄权欺人)
Cultural background
FAQ- Originally depicted two hands playing with jade, representing the concept of handling or playing with precious objects.
- In classical Chinese, often used in the context of imperial affairs, as in '弄臣' (court jester or favorite minister).
- Commonly appears in colloquial expressions for handling everyday tasks and situations.