捻 (niǎn) - To twist or roll with the fingers & to pinch

捻Tone 3

niǎn ｜ 11 strokes ｜ radical:

楠念

捻 · niǎn

To twist or roll with the fingers;

to pinch;

a twist or roll of something;

also refers to a wick or fuse.

To twist or roll with the fingersto pincha twist or roll of something

Usage highlights

To twist with fingersLamp wickTo roll into a strandTo pinch outPaper spillGunpowder fuse

Synonyms

  • 搓— to rub or twist between hands
  • 拧— to twist or wring
  • 捏— to pinch or knead

Antonyms

  • 松— to loosen or release
  • 放— to let go or release

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • She twisted the thread into a string (捻线).
  • He pinched out the candle flame (捻灭蜡烛).
  • The old man rolled a cigarette (捻了一支烟).
  • Check the lamp wick (检查灯捻).

Collocations

  • To twist with fingers(捻)
  • Lamp wick(灯捻)
  • To roll into a strand(捻成一股)
  • To pinch out(捻灭)
  • Paper spill(纸捻)
  • Gunpowder fuse(火药捻子)

Idioms

  • To twist clay into a rope — futile effort(捻土为香)
  • Light the lamp wick — start something(点灯捻子)
  • To roll pills and twist herbs — prepare medicine(捻丸弄药)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Associated with traditional crafts like spinning thread, making lamp wicks, or rolling incense.
  • In some contexts, refers to the act of prayer or meditation involving rolling beads or other objects.
  • Historically used in making fuses for fireworks or early firearms.

FAQ