拧 (níng) - to twist & to pinch

拧Tone 2

níng ｜ 8 strokes ｜ radical: 扌

念柠

拧 · níng

to twist;

to pinch;

to wring;

to screw;

stubborn (dialectal)

to twistto pinchto wring

Usage highlights

Twist tightlyTwist openTwist into a knotTwist a towelPinch someoneStubborn temper

Synonyms

  • 扭— to twist; to turn
  • 绞— to twist; to wring
  • 倔— stubborn; obstinate

Antonyms

  • 松— to loosen; to relax
  • 顺— to comply; obedient

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He twisted the wet towel (拧毛巾).
  • Please screw the cap on tightly (拧紧瓶盖).
  • She pinched his arm playfully (拧了一下他的胳膊).
  • This child is very stubborn (这孩子真拧).

Collocations

  • Twist tightly(拧紧)
  • Twist open(拧开)
  • Twist into a knot(拧成结)
  • Twist a towel(拧毛巾)
  • Pinch someone(拧人)
  • Stubborn temper(拧脾气)

Idioms

  • Strong-headed and stubborn(拧劲儿)
  • Twist into one rope(拧成一股绳)
  • Argue stubbornly(拧着来)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • The character combines the hand radical (扌) with 宁, suggesting manual action with a sense of firmness or stability.
  • In northern Chinese dialects, '拧' can describe a stubborn or contrary personality.
  • The action of twisting or wringing is commonly associated with household chores and manual tasks.

FAQ