挠 (náo) - to scratch & to hinder

挠Tone 2

náo ｜ 9 strokes ｜ radical:

楠念

挠 · náo

to scratch;

to hinder;

to yield;

to bend

to scratchto hinderto yield

Usage highlights

scratch an itchunyielding spiritbend and yieldscratch the headobstruct progressscratch marks

Synonyms

  • 抓— to grab, to scratch
  • 搔— to scratch lightly
  • 阻— to obstruct, to hinder

Antonyms

  • 挺— to straighten, to stiffen
  • 坚— firm, hard
  • 直— straight, upright

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The cat scratches the furniture (挠家具).
  • Nothing can hinder his determination (百折不挠).
  • The branch bends in the wind (树枝在风中挠曲).
  • He scratched his head in confusion (他困惑地挠头).

Collocations

  • scratch an itch(挠痒)
  • unyielding spirit(不屈不挠)
  • bend and yield(挠曲)
  • scratch the head(挠头)
  • obstruct progress(阻挠)
  • scratch marks(挠痕)

Idioms

  • Unyielding and indomitable(不屈不挠)
  • Hundredfold resistance without yielding(百折不挠)
  • Scratching the head and cheeks(抓耳挠腮)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • The character embodies both physical action (scratching) and metaphorical resilience (not yielding).
  • In Chinese martial arts and philosophy, 'not bending' (不挠) represents strong willpower and moral integrity.
  • The scratching action is often associated with contemplation or dilemma in Chinese expressions.

FAQ