(niǎn) — to twist (with the fingers)

Definition

捻 (niǎn) means to twist or roll something small between your fingers — like rolling a cigarette, twisting a wick, or pinching off a thread. The action is done with the fingertips, not the whole hand.

verb
to twist (with the fingers)

Examples

  • Tā qīng qīng de niǎn le yí xià dēng xīn.
    He gently twisted the lamp wick.
  • Tā yòng shí zhǐ hé dà mǔ zhǐ niǎn duàn le nà gēn xiàn.
    She broke that thread by twisting it between her index finger and thumb.
  • Lǎo rén zuò zài mén kǒu niǎn zhe yì gēn yān juàn.
    The old man sat at the door twisting a cigarette (rolling it between his fingers).

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