Meanings of 拈
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Podcast: 拈
Podcast: 拈
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AI Study Notes for 拈
捏 (niē) vs 拿 (ná) — choose 拈 when emphasizing a delicate or light touch, whereas 捏 implies squeezing or pinching, and 拿 indicates a more general act of taking or holding.
Be cautious with the pronunciation; it can be confused with similar-sounding words. This term is more commonly used in literary or formal contexts rather than in everyday conversation. A common collocation is 拈花 (niān huā), which means to pick flowers.
Though 拈 is not included in HSK vocabulary, it connects with other action verbs related to handling objects. Focus on similar verbs that describe movements with hands to build your vocabulary around physical actions.
Learners often confuse 拈 with other similar verbs like 拿 (ná, to take), leading to incorrect usage. For example, saying 拈东西 (niān dōngxi, to pick up things) is incorrect; it should be 拿东西 (ná dōngxi).
Pronunciation of 拈
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Jason Explains 拈 to You
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Etymology of 拈
To divine 占 by hand 扌; 占 also provides the pronunciation
Origin
What kind of character is 拈?
Decomposition of 拈
Parts
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How to say to pick up with the fingers; to draw lots in Chinese
“to pick up with the fingers; to draw lots” in Chinese is拈
The character 拈 (niān) primarily means to pick up or grasp something lightly with the fingers. It is often used in contexts where someone is selecting or manipulating small objects, such as drawing lots or fiddling with items. This verb conveys a sense of delicacy and control in handling objects.
When to use 拈
Be cautious with the pronunciation; it can be confused with similar-sounding words. This term is more commonly used in literary or formal contexts rather than in everyday conversation. A common collocation is 拈花 (niān huā), which means to pick flowers.
拈 or something close to it
捏 (niē) vs 拿 (ná) — choose 拈 when emphasizing a delicate or light touch, whereas 捏 implies squeezing or pinching, and 拿 indicates a more general act of taking or holding.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 拈 with other similar verbs like 拿 (ná, to take), leading to incorrect usage. For example, saying 拈东西 (niān dōngxi, to pick up things) is incorrect; it should be 拿东西 (ná dōngxi).
Write 拈
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Practice writing 拈 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 拈
拈 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 5 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Fill the gap
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她老公绝对不是个____花惹草的人。
Her husband was not a womaniser by any stretch of the imagination.
Example Sentences for 拈 (2)
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Word Family of 拈
Words with 拈
What does 拈花惹草 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 拈
It is pronounced as 'niān' with a rising tone. Make sure to practice the tone to avoid confusion.
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