拧 (nǐng) — to twist (a lid), to screw (a cap); to wring (a towel); to pinch (a cheek, ear)
Definition
Nǐng pairs with 把 to twist things open/closed (lids, screws, valves). Use 扭 for turning knobs or spraining a joint, and 掐 for pinching flesh or picking buds.
verb
to twist (a lid)to screw (a cap)to wring (a towel)to pinch (a cheek, ear)
Easily confused
Examples
- 拧。Tā bāng wǒ bǎ píng gài nǐng kāi le.He helped me twist the bottle cap open.
- 拧拧，。Tā nǐng le nǐng máo jīn, rán hòu liàng qǐ lái.She wrung the towel and then hung it to dry.
- 拧！Bié nǐng wǒ de ěr duo!Don't twist my ear!
Origin
Sound + meaning六书liùshū
形声xíngshēngMost characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.
拧 shows 扌, the hand form, for an action done with the hand, and 宁 for the sound.
Appears in
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