Definition
拧 (níng) is the standard verb for wringing a cloth, pinching and twisting (like an ear), and screwing a lid or screw. It contrasts with 扭 (niǔ) for turning a knob or spraining; 掐 (qiā) for pinching with nails; 捏 (niē) for holding/molding with fingers; and 绞 (jiǎo) for twisting strands together. The same character with 4th tone (拧 nǐng) is a colloquial variant used specifically for tightening/loosening lids and wringing towels.
verb
to wring (e.g., a cloth)to pinch and twist (e.g., someone's ear)to screw / to twist (e.g., a screw or lid)
Easily confused
- 拧nǐnglook-aliketo twist (a lid), to screw (a cap)
- 打dǎlook-aliketo hit, strike, beat
Examples
- 拧。Qǐng bǎ shī máojīn níng gān.Please wring out the wet towel.
- 拧。Māma qīngqīng níng le yíxià tā de ěrduo.Mom gently pinched his ear.
- 拧。Tā yòng luósīdāo bǎ luósī níng jǐn le.He tightened the screw with a screwdriver.
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