擰 (níng) - To twist & to pinch

擰Tone 2

níng ｜ 17 strokes ｜ radical:

柠七

擰 · níng

To twist;

to pinch;

to screw;

to turn;

to wring;

also means stubborn or difficult.

To twistto pinchto screw

Usage highlights

Twist openScrew tightPinch someoneWring outTurn a knobStubborn temper

Synonyms

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

Antonyms

  • 顺— to obey; to follow
  • 松— to loosen; to relax

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • Twist the cap to open the bottle (拧开瓶盖).
  • He pinched my arm (他拧了我的胳膊).
  • Screw in the light bulb (拧上灯泡).
  • She twisted the wet towel to wring it out (她拧干湿毛巾).
  • He is very stubborn (他脾气很拧).

Collocations

  • Twist open(拧开)
  • Screw tight(拧紧)
  • Pinch someone(拧人)
  • Wring out(拧干)
  • Turn a knob(拧旋钮)
  • Stubborn temper(拧脾气)

Idioms

  • Stubborn as a mule(死拧到底)
  • Twist facts(拧曲事实)
  • Go against the grain(拧着来)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • The character combines the hand radical (扌) with 宁, suggesting manual action related to fixing or adjusting.
  • In northern Chinese dialects, '拧' can describe a stubborn or contrary personality.
  • The action of twisting or screwing reflects practical manual skills valued in traditional craftsmanship.

FAQ