撓 (náo) - To bend & to twist

撓Tone 2

náo ｜ 15 strokes ｜ radical:

楠念

撓 · náo

To bend;

to twist;

to yield;

to scratch;

to disturb;

to hinder.

To bendto twistto yield

Usage highlights

To scratch an itchTo bend a fingerUnbending and unyieldingTo obstruct justiceTo disturb public orderTo hinder progress

Synonyms

Antonyms

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The branch bent under the weight (树枝弯曲).
  • He scratched an itch (挠痒).
  • Nothing is difficult to the man who will try (世上无难事，只怕有心人).
  • The committee remained unyielding (委员会不屈不挠).

Collocations

  • To scratch an itch(挠痒)
  • To bend a finger(屈指)
  • Unbending and unyielding(不屈不挠)
  • To obstruct justice(挠法)
  • To disturb public order(挠乱)
  • To hinder progress(阻挠)

Idioms

  • Unyielding and indomitable(不屈不挠)
  • Scratching the head in hesitation(抓耳挠腮)
  • Bending principles for personal gain(枉法挠公)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • The character appears in the idiom 不屈不挠 (bù qū bù náo), describing steadfastness and resilience in Chinese culture.
  • Historically used in legal and moral contexts regarding obstruction of justice or principles.
  • The hand radical (扌) indicates actions related to the hand, such as scratching or bending.

FAQ