捺 (nà) - A downward-rightward stroke in Chinese calligraphy & to press down

捺Tone 4

nà ｜ 11 strokes ｜ radical:

娜楠

捺 · nà

A downward-rightward stroke in Chinese calligraphy;

to press down;

to restrain.

A downward-rightward stroke in Chinese calligraphyto press downto restrain.

Usage highlights

DownwardPress a fingerprintRestrain one's temperPress down firmlySuppressUnable to restrain

Synonyms

  • 按— press down
  • 压— press, suppress

Antonyms

  • 提— lift up (opposite calligraphic stroke direction)
  • 扬— raise, elevate

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The calligraphy teacher demonstrated the proper way to write the downward-right stroke (捺 stroke).
  • She pressed the stamp firmly onto the ink pad (捺印).
  • In Chinese character writing, the '捺' is one of the eight basic strokes (永字八法).
  • He had to restrain his anger (捺住性子).

Collocations

  • Downward-right stroke(捺笔)
  • Press a fingerprint(捺手印)
  • Restrain one's temper(捺住性子)
  • Press down firmly(按捺)
  • Suppress(捺压)
  • Unable to restrain(按捺不住)

Idioms

  • Unable to hold back one's excitement(按捺不住)
  • Press down anger and hold back words(捺怒忍言)
  • Suppress the strong and support the weak(按强扶弱)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • One of the eight fundamental strokes in Chinese calligraphy, essential to character structure and aesthetic balance.
  • Represents both a physical action (pressing down) and an emotional state (restraint) in literary contexts.
  • Mastery of the 'nà' stroke is crucial for proper character formation in traditional calligraphy.

FAQ